2 min readAhmedabadMay 29, 2026 10:36 PM IST Gujarat Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia on Friday said that eight lion cubs have died of suspected Babesia parasitic infection in the Gir region and that reports of their samples, sent to Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center, are expected in three-four days. Modhwadia added that there has been no such suspected death of lions in the last two days. Modhwadia said, “Deaths of eight lion cubs have come to light. And whether the deaths have occurred owing to Babesia or for some other reason, its confirmation can be done only after getting the medical report.” Babesia, a parasitic disease, spreads through ticks and can cause weakness, coughing and nasal discharge in affected animals. The deaths of the big cat cubs due to suspected Babesia infection have been reported in the revenue areas outside the Gir sanctuary, particularly in Gir Gadhada of Gir Somnath and Babra Kot of Amreli districts, he said. Earlier, on May 26, Modhwadia had said that two lion cubs had died of suspected infection …