Rajmata oldest lioness to deliver cub at 18 yrs

An 18-year-old lioness delivered a cub at Liliya in Amreli district in what veterinarians say is a rare occurrence. Rajmata, a famed lioness in the Liliya area, became perhaps the oldest to deliver a cub. Residents of the area and environment enthusiasts are celebrating what doctors say is something unheard of at that age. Lions normally have a life span of 16 years and lionesses produce cubs until they are 13, veterinarians told Mirror. Rajmata, a red collared female, has an extended family of 40 lions. Residents who have seen Rajmata around say that she has been in Liliya for 18 years at least.

Rajmata, one of the oldest Asiatic lioness and the oldest mother in wild, delivered a cub a month back. Liliya, located on the banks of Shetrunji river, is a new developing home to lions and has the highest density of lion population according to 2015 lion population estimation carried out by the forest department.

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Local resident and environmental enthusiast Manoj Joshi said, “She is very healthy at her age. We are very glad that she gave birth to a cub. We suspect there are two, but I saw her with just one the last time I saw her, so she has delivered at least one cub. She is also one of the strongest lionesses in the area.”

Dr Samir Pandya a veterinary doctor in the Liliya range said, “Rajmata is at least 16 years old but I am not sure of exact age because I have been posted here for only two years. But giving birth to a cub at this age is a rare phenomenon. She is extremely fit lioness. I had seen her with three cubs a couple of years back. She was rescued from Gondal once.”

Rajmata had travelled to Gondal, which is over 60 kms distance, during floods in Liliya in 2005. She was rescued from Gondal and taken to Sakkarbaug zoo. Manoj Joshi said, “So popular is Rajmata with the residents of Amreli and Liliya that we had protested, and written letters to the forest department to release her in her area. The forest department had agreed to our request and released in Liliya. She is majestic, even roars like male lions. I recently saw her with one cub and it was atreat to the eyes.”

Chief Veterinarian of Sakkarbaug Zoo Dr Riyaz Kadiwala said, “Life expectancy of lions is up to 16 years, If the pride is protective then they can live up to 18 years at the most. Lioness start giving birth at about four years age and deliver until the age of 13 years normally. As they grow old, the litter size reduces.”

Rajmata is not only magnificent but also has the largest family in the area. Liliya resident Rajan Joshi shared a photo of Rajmata with her cub. “She is the oldest lioness that has given birth to a cub. I remember seeing her the first time in 2008. Locals say, she migrated to Gondal after she was radio collared in 2005 and she was released in Liliya again.”