World Lion Day 2023: 'Steady rise in lion population in India in last few years,' says PM Modi
Narendra Modi shared on X (formerly twitter) that World Lion Day provided an opportunity to celebrate the magnificent lions that capture our admiration with their strength and magnificence. He mentioned that India felt proud to be the home of the Asiatic Lions, and highlighted that there had been a consistent rise in the lion population in India over recent years. PM Modi applauded the individuals and groups working tirelessly to protect the lions' habitats.
He expressed the hope that the efforts to cherish and safeguard these creatures would continue, ensuring their thriving existence for generations to come. The purpose of Lion Day is to create awareness about the majestic hunter, the ultimate feline, often referred to as the king of the jungle. Lions, scientifically known as Panthera leo, rank as the second-largest cat species globally, with the Asian tiger taking the lead and weigh between 300 and 550 pounds.
The history of World Lion Day traces back to its founding by Big Cat Rescue, the largest accredited sanctuary dedicated to big cats worldwide. August 10th is a day when people globally unite to honour the mighty lion through various means. Despite the festive nature of the occasion, it's built upon a serious concern: the lion population has significantly declined, necessitating their inclusion on the endangered species list, similar to their larger relative, the tiger.
Co-founders Dereck and Beverly Joubert, a couple deeply passionate about big cats, conceived World Lion Day in 2013. They brought together National Geographic and the Big Cat Initiative under a single umbrella to safeguard the remaining big cats thriving in their natural habitats. Three million years ago, lions roamed freely across Africa and the
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