Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Three Big Cats Die at Tirupati Zoo Amid Care Concerns
Three large cats died at a zoo in Tirupati within one month.
They were a jaguar named Lava and two leopards named Sathya and Vimuda.
Lava had cancer for several years and died after multiple organs failed.
Sathya was very old and had breathing and blood-related problems found after his death.
Vimuda was also old and had serious lung and stomach problems.
The zoo said the deaths were caused by age and illness.
Some animal lovers questioned whether the animals received enough care and asked for an inquiry.
Zoo officials said they followed the required procedures and submitted reports to higher authorities.
Jaguar Lava died on July 28 after suffering from cancer since 2017, with the zoo attributing the death to multi-organ failure.
Male leopard Sathya, also reported as Satya, died on August 15 at about 17 years and six months old; post-mortem findings included asphyxia and severe anaemia.
Female leopard Vimuda died on August 27 at about 16 years old, with pulmonary oedema and severe gastritis recorded after post-mortem examination.
The deaths of two leopards and a jaguar within a month went viral on social media and prompted concerns among animal lovers.
Animal lovers alleged negligence and inadequate veterinary care, while zoo authorities cited advanced age and illnesses and said prescribed procedures were followed.
- Who
- Lava the jaguar and leopards Sathya, also reported as Satya, and Vimuda died; zoo authorities and animal lovers gave differing accounts.
- What
- Three big cats died within a month, with reported causes including multi-organ failure, asphyxia, severe anaemia, pulmonary oedema and severe gastritis.
- When
- Lava died on July 28, Sathya on August 15, and Vimuda on August 27; the year was not specified.
- Where
- Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- Zoo authorities attributed the deaths to advanced age and medical conditions, while animal lovers alleged negligence and inadequate veterinary care.
Animal Lovers’ Concerns
Zoo Authorities’ Explanation
Cause of deaths
Animal Lovers’ Concerns
Animal lovers questioned whether inadequate care or treatment contributed to the deaths of the three cats.
Zoo Authorities’ Explanation
Zoo authorities attributed the leopard deaths to advanced age and ailments, and Lava’s death to his prolonged cancer history and multi-organ failure.
Veterinary care
Animal Lovers’ Concerns
They alleged inadequate veterinary care and raised concerns about the procurement and use of medicines.
Zoo Authorities’ Explanation
Officials said Lava received continuous treatment and medication and that prescribed procedures and guidelines were followed.
Accountability
Animal Lovers’ Concerns
Animal lovers sought a detailed inquiry and action against anyone responsible for possible lapses.
Zoo Authorities’ Explanation
The zoo said reports, including post-mortem reports, were submitted to higher authorities from time to time.
- Animals involved
- Two leopards and one jaguar died at the zoo within a month.
- Lava
- The 16-year-old male jaguar died on July 28 after suffering from cancer since 2017; the post-mortem diagnosis was multi-organ failure.
- Sathya/Satya
- The male leopard, aged about 17 years and six months, died on August 15; findings included asphyxia and severe anaemia.
- Vimuda
- The approximately 16-year-old female leopard died on August 27; findings included pulmonary oedema and severe gastritis.
- Lava’s origin
- Lava arrived from Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad, on January 1, 2013, through an animal exchange programme.
- Vimuda’s history
- Vimuda was rescued from Gandikota in Kadapa, also reported as Cuddapah, district and had been housed at the zoo since September 19, 2014.
- Official response
- The zoo said prescribed procedures were followed and death and post-mortem reports were submitted to higher authorities.
- Employee health camp
- The zoo said a medical camp was held on August 20 to screen employees for zoonotic diseases and conduct general health check-ups.
