Bhubaneswar: In an interesting incident a lion cub has turned an intimate and dear friend of the animal keeper, who has been bringing her up for the last six months from its birth. Anybody, who has witnessed Prshanta Gouda, the animal keeper and Barsha, the lion cub together, are happy to see the animal-human friendship.
As per reports, lioness Bijli delivered two cubs, a male and a female one along with a still born in last July Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) in the capital city of Odisha. Perhaps, because it was a first time mother, even the male cub died one day after birth despite all efforts by the zoo authorities and animal keepers. However, the female cub, named Barsha, was brought up by Prashanta. He was given charge of rearing the cub.
Barsha had taken birth with the mating of lion Samrat and lioness Bijli. However, for some unknown reason the lioness abandoned the female cub. But the cub, which was rejected by an animal, was adopted by a human.
Time passed away and the two turned so intimate that this wild animal started behaving Prashanta like her friend. Moreover, it will be appropriate to say that Prashanta has turned father of the cub as he takes care of her like his own child.
With a call from Prashanta, Barsha runs to him. If he says her to sit, she does so happily and the two play with each other for long. In return, Prashanta also pets her like his child.
In the meanwhile six months have passed. Prashanta makes the cub take bath, feeds it and takes all care of her. However, as Barsha has reached six months, it is time now for her to be kept in the animal enclosure. Within few days, she will take care of herself and shall live along with other lions.
Ms Kalinga