India's last lions
Nurtured back to about 400 from less than 50 a century ago, these wild Asiatic lions are the last of a species that once roamed from Morocco and Greece to the eastern reaches of India. The subject of saving lions is an emotional one in India. The lion also holds iconic status in religions and cultures. The multi-armed Hindu warrior goddess Durga is traditionally shown with a lion as her mount. Four lions make the national emblem - symbolizing power, courage, pride and confidence.
Section:Gallery
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In this Saturday, March 24, 2012 photo, a pride of lions rests at the Gir Sanctuary in the western Indian state of Gujarat, India.
Rajanish Kakade Associated Press
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This Saturday, March 24, 2012 photo shows lionesses at the Gir Sanctuary in the western Indian state of Gujarat, India.
Rajanish Kakade Associated Press
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In this Saturday, March 24, 2012 photo, a lion rests at the Gir Sanctuary in the western Indian state of Gujarat, India.
Rajanish Kakade Associated Press
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In this Sunday, March 25, 2012 photo, a lioness walks in the Gir Sanctuary in the western Indian state of Gujarat, India. The lions' precarious return is in jeopardy. Experts warn that crowded together in the park, they are more vulnerable to disease and natural disaster. There is little new territory for young males to claim, increasing chances for inbreeding, territorial conflict or males killing the young.
Rajanish Kakade Associated Press
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In this Saturday, March 24, 2012 photo, a lioness yawns at the Gir Sanctuary in the western Indian state of Gujarat, India.
Rajanish Kakade Associated Press
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In this Saturday, March 24, 2012 photo, a lion rests at the Gir Sanctuary in the western Indian state of Gujarat, India.
Rajanish Kakade Associated Press
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In this Sunday, March 25, 2012 photo, a lioness licks her cub at the Gir Sanctuary in the western Indian state of Gujarat, India.
Rajanish Kakade Associated Press
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In this Sunday, March 25, 2012 photo, tourists take photos of a lion during a safari at the Gir Sanctuary in the western Indian state of Gujarat, India.
Rajanish Kakade Associated Press
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In this Sunday, March 25, 2012 photo, lion cubs wander around at the Gir Sanctuary in the western Indian state of Gujarat, India.
Rajanish Kakade Associated Press
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In this Sunday, March 25, 2012 photo, a lion walks through the Gir Sanctuary in the western Indian state of Gujarat, India.
Rajanish Kakade Associated Press
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In this Saturday, March 24, 2012 photo, lionesses rest at the Gir Sanctuary in the western Indian state of Gujarat, India.
Rajanish Kakade Associated Press
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In this Sunday, March 25, 2012 photo, a lioness drinks water at the Gir Sanctuary in the western Indian state of Gujarat, India.
Rajanish Kakade Associated Press
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In this Saturday, March 24, 2012 photo, a lion rests early in the morning at the Gir Sanctuary in the western Indian state of Gujarat, India.
Rajanish Kakade Associated Press
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