Lioness dies after operation

Suranjith PERERA Dehiwala-Mt. Lavinia group corr.

A lioness of African origin died at the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens yesterday following an unsuccessful operation to remove its womb. Informed sources said the operation had been conducted by a panel of five veterinarians on a unanimous decision to remove the lioness' womb for health reasons around 11 a.m. yesterday.

The operation had been performed in its cage itself after sedation without removing the animal to a theatre. Due to excessive bleeding and the heaty condition in the cage it had failed to regain consciousness after the operation.

Sources said the lioness was among the four cubs seized from an unauthorized private Zoo in Ahungalla and handed over to the Dehiwala Zoo 12 years ago.