Guddu, the lion, was tragically killed by poachers.
Guddu was a beloved Asiatic lion residing in the Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat, India. He was part of a conservation success story, as Asiatic lions had been brought back from the brink of extinction. Unfortunately, the illegal wildlife trade continues to be a threat to these majestic animals. Guddu’s death was a significant loss to the park and the conservation community. Poachers targeted him for his body parts, which are highly valued in some traditional medicines and as trophies. The forest officials discovered his body after a search triggered by his sudden disappearance from the areas he usually frequented. The incident led to an outcry for stricter anti-poaching laws and better protection for the remaining lions in the wild.