The iconic Sayajibaug Zoo in Vadodara is in mourning after the tragic loss of its last remaining lioness. Samriddhi, a six-year-old lioness, succumbed to venom toxicity on Friday, December 20, 2025, following a deadly encounter with an Indian Cobra that had entered her enclosure earlier in the week.
A Fatal Encounter and a Brave Fight
The incident occurred on Monday evening, December 16, when the venomous snake slithered into Samriddhi's cage. Zoo Curator Dr. Pratyush Patankar, who was in Rajkot finalizing the arrival of white tigers at the time, received an urgent call about the confrontation. The lioness pounced on the cobra with full force, grievously injuring the reptile, but not before suffering multiple venomous bites, primarily on her face and mouth.
Veterinary teams began immediate treatment, administering a total of 12 anti-venom doses over four days in a round-the-clock effort to save her. Initially, Samriddhi showed signs of improvement, but the potent venom had caused severe tissue damage and hemolysis. Her condition deteriorated, and she suffered a massive seizure on Friday afternoon, leading to her death.
Leaving a Void in the Lion Enclosure
Samriddhi's death marks a somber chapter for the zoo's big cat population. She had been the zoo's sole lioness since the passing of her partner, Samrat, in September 2022 due to a kidney ailment, and the older lion Kunwar a month later. Born in April 2020, Samriddhi was brought to Sayajibaug from Junagadh's Sakkarbaug Zoo in December 2021. Her vibrant presence had been a major attraction for visitors.
Dr. Patankar described the loss as "devastating," noting the cruel twist of fate. Discussions were underway for a 'breeding loan' program with Rajkot's Pradhyuman Zoological Park, where Samriddhi would have been sent for breeding in her prime years. A proposal was to be sent the following week, a plan now rendered futile.
Safety Challenges and Future Plans
While the Central Zoo Authority of India recognizes snake bites as a common hazard in naturalistic enclosures, Dr. Patankar analyzed the incident from security footage. He suggested that had the lioness not attacked the cobra aggressively, the snake might have only attempted to ward her off without delivering a fatal bite. The injured cobra was rescued and handed over to the forest department for treatment.
The tragedy casts a shadow over the zoo, which had just celebrated the arrival of white tigers after a 40-year gap. The management now faces the urgent task of repopulating the empty lion enclosure. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges zoos face in balancing natural habitat design with animal safety.
