Vacationers just lately captured a video of the lioness in motion, and the footage rapidly made waves on-line. It exhibits her calmly approaching a parked jeep, sniffing round it, after which immediately launching a shock assault — not on the people, however on one of many tyres. In seconds, she expertly bites down on the valve, releasing a loud hiss because the air escapes. The lioness then walks away, mission full, forsaking a startled viewers and a flat tyre.
TOI reported that locals and park employees say this isn’t a one-off. The animal has carried out it a number of instances and now has a popularity within the space. “We’ve seen her do that earlier than,” a safari information stated. “Round right here, we name her ‘puncture wali sinhan’. She has an actual expertise for it.”
Attainable causes behind the odd behavior
Whereas the behaviour may appear comical, forest officers are attempting to know why this lioness is so desirous about tyres. In accordance with Mohan Ram, deputy conservator of forests, the car might need carried traces of scents that triggered the lioness’s instincts. “Typically canine or different animals experience in or close to these autos, and the lingering scent may very well be frightening her. It isn’t aggression — extra seemingly curiosity or irritation,” he defined to TOI.
The car proven within the viral video is a part of the official safari fleet that operates inside Devalia Park. Though this particular incident drew consideration, officers say such occurrences, whereas uncommon, are usually not solely new.
Devalia Safari Park is a fenced space that provides vacationers an opportunity to look at lions in a semi-natural setting. Whereas the ‘puncture wali’ lioness provides a component of unpredictability to the safari experience, officers insist that security measures are in place and all uncommon behaviour is carefully monitored, famous the information outlet.
As a result of within the lion territory of Gir, you may drive in for a safari — however depart with a flat tyre and a wild story
