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Viral Video Shows Asiatic Lion on Palitana Pilgrimage Steps as Officials Increase Monitoring

Officials identify the hill as natural lion habitat with roughly 20–25 cats in the Palitana region.

Overview

  • A retired Indian Forest Service officer posted the clip on X showing a lion walking up Shatrunjaya Hill steps near Palitana, Bhavnagar.
  • The Gujarat forest department authenticated the footage and said the location falls within the species’ natural range.
  • Guards have been deployed to monitor the area, with authorities advising pilgrims to keep a safe distance from wildlife.
  • In the video, people are seen running while the lion remains calm and non-aggressive, continuing its steady ascent.
  • The site is a major Jain pilgrimage route, and the viral clip has renewed attention to managing human–wildlife overlap in the region.