New Delhi: Shri Parimalbhai Nathwani, Rajya Sabha member and an avid Lion lover today once again voiced for national animal status to Asiatic Lions. He said the national animal status for Lion will be a matter of proud and such move will be admired globally.

Shri Nathwani, who has also written a book on Asiatic Lions and contributed to the cause of Asiatic Lion protection in partnership with the State forest department in a video message posted on twitter on World Lion Day pointed out that there are many other animals but Lion is a Royal animal and it is not cunning even.

On #WorldLionDay, I thank all #forest officials & other stakeholders who are working hard for #Lion conservation. The Project Lion-vision of @PMOIndia @narendramodi will provide a boost to further increase Asiatic Lions population in Gir #Gujarat. @CMOGuj @byadavbjp @Ganpatsinhv pic.twitter.com/Evt9zrlwAO

— Parimal Nathwani (@mpparimal) August 10, 2021

He said, ‘today is World Lion Day, and I congratulate and thank all those who are working for Asiatic Lions across the world and all those who are Lion lovers, especially our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the projects he has executed for Lions.’

He further said, ‘I have been regular visitor to Gir Lion Sanctuary through last 35 years. Asiatic Lions are close to my heart. I many times observe that there are many other animals, but Lion is a Royal animal, and he is not cunning even. I had once said in Rajya Sabha that (it doesn’t matter) which animal is good or not, but the promotion, the Lions deserve (has not been accorded). I would add one thing to the project Lion declared by the Prime Minister, and wish national animal status for Lion. It will be a matter of proud for us and such move will be admired across the world.’

It’s worth noting that Lion was declared a national animal of India in year 1948 but in 1972 the Bengal tiger was later adopted as the national animal in a meeting of the Indian Board for Wildlife.

DeshGujarat