Jay and Veeru – Gir's inseparable duo that won the heart of visitors, PM Modi included
For years, the two adult lions had been the pride of Gir National Park in Gujarat. Earlier this year, even Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on the inseparable pair during his visit to Gir.
But over a month ago, when they were not in each other's company, Jay and Veeru sustained serious injuries in separate territorial fights.
While Veeru died on June 11, a few days after sustaining the wounds, Jay succumbed to its injuries on Tuesday.
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Chief Wildlife Warden of Gujarat Jaipal Singh said the two lions used to lead the same pride of big cats. 'Veeru had sustained very serious injuries and he died a few days after that. Whereas, Jay died today. The two were rescued and we made a lot of attempts to save them but could not succeed,' Singh said on Tuesday.
Deputy Conservator of Forest, Wildlife Division (Sasan-Gir), Mohan Ram said that the two were prime adult males who used to accompany around 15 female lions. 'Their area was very big, (spanning) from tourism zone to non-tourism zone and from grassland to woodland and even fringe areas. They sustained injuries in territorial fights (with other lions) while they were not together,' he added.
Rajya Sabha Parliamentarian and wildlife enthusiast Parimal Nathwani, in a statement, lamented the death of the two lions.
Nathwani said, 'Deeply anguished by the passing away of Jay today. After a long and valiant battle for survival, Jay too departed. To every wildlife enthusiast who has witnessed the majestic presence of Jay-Veeru or heard tales of their bond — this loss is personal. Our Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi had also witnessed the royalty of Jay and Veeru during his recent visit to Gir.'
A wildlife enthusiast who has been working with the forest department said that the two lions were named as Jay and Veeru as they had been moving around the forest with each other for a long time.
In the words of Nathwani: 'Gir will never be the same without them. Legends may fade, but their spirit will echo through the forests they once ruled together.'
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Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
Iconic pair's era ends: Jay reunites with Veeru in death
1 2 Ahmedabad: A dominant presence will no longer be felt in Gir. Jay and Veeru, the iconic pair of lions who hunted and ruled together have reunited — in death. Over a month after Veeru's death from fatal fight injuries, his partner, Jay joined him, losing his battle with serious injuries suffered during an episode of in-fighting on June 7 that had also left buddy in death's arms. Forest officials announced Jay breathed his last on Tuesday afternoon. Veeru had died during treatment on June 11. "Jay too suffered serious injuries to his rear and was under treatment. We tried our best to save him. When modern medicine could not heal him, we even tried ayurveda, but in vain," said Mohan Ram, deputy conservator of forest headquarters, Sasan. The pair, always together for close to five years, were given the names for their bond which was as fierce as their dominance, just like the heroic pair of the film, 'Sholay'. "They were inseparable when alive, and could not be separated by death either, till they died," said a senior officer who has tracked the duo in the past. Department officials said the two lions were attacked separately by two different groups of males. Jay, attacked first by a group from the Kasia area, was brought in for treatment with serious injuries to his rear. "Left alone, Veeru was attacked by another group from the Khokar side, all in the protected Gir Sanctuary. The injuries were grave — Veeru had three to four deep bite marks in the rear — which proved fatal for him. He stopped eating and died on June 11," an official said. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad "Jay and Veeru dominated nearly half of the tourism zone and were never spotted alone. It was destiny that Jay ventured out alone while Veeru went in the other direction. The two had control from Malanka to Kasia Ness and Gadharia. The two males had about 15 females in their group, eight to nine sub-adults and about 14 cubs who were below one year," said a senior officer. Several documentaries have been made on the two lions who were also known for their good looks. "They were mainly spotted in grassy areas and named Jay-Veeru by the forest local staff as they were inseparable. However, the two had been fending off stiff competition for the past couple of months, but their unity kept other lions at bay," said another officer. "Jay-Veeru will remain everlasting names, remembered forever by beat guards and foresters alike," said a beat guard. Before Jay and Veeru, the Gir forest was home to another famous jodi, Dharam-Veer, whose tales of companionship were equally famous.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Jay and Veeru – Gir's inseparable duo that won the heart of visitors, PM Modi included
Their friendship was the stuff of legends. Perhaps, that is why they were named Jay and Veeru – after the iconic duo from 1975 blockbuster Sholay. For years, the two adult lions had been the pride of Gir National Park in Gujarat. Earlier this year, even Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on the inseparable pair during his visit to Gir. But over a month ago, when they were not in each other's company, Jay and Veeru sustained serious injuries in separate territorial fights. While Veeru died on June 11, a few days after sustaining the wounds, Jay succumbed to its injuries on Tuesday. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Chief Wildlife Warden of Gujarat Jaipal Singh said the two lions used to lead the same pride of big cats. 'Veeru had sustained very serious injuries and he died a few days after that. Whereas, Jay died today. The two were rescued and we made a lot of attempts to save them but could not succeed,' Singh said on Tuesday. Deputy Conservator of Forest, Wildlife Division (Sasan-Gir), Mohan Ram said that the two were prime adult males who used to accompany around 15 female lions. 'Their area was very big, (spanning) from tourism zone to non-tourism zone and from grassland to woodland and even fringe areas. They sustained injuries in territorial fights (with other lions) while they were not together,' he added. Rajya Sabha Parliamentarian and wildlife enthusiast Parimal Nathwani, in a statement, lamented the death of the two lions. Nathwani said, 'Deeply anguished by the passing away of Jay today. After a long and valiant battle for survival, Jay too departed. To every wildlife enthusiast who has witnessed the majestic presence of Jay-Veeru or heard tales of their bond — this loss is personal. Our Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi had also witnessed the royalty of Jay and Veeru during his recent visit to Gir.' A wildlife enthusiast who has been working with the forest department said that the two lions were named as Jay and Veeru as they had been moving around the forest with each other for a long time. In the words of Nathwani: 'Gir will never be the same without them. Legends may fade, but their spirit will echo through the forests they once ruled together.'
The Hindu
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