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Gir National Park

Gir online booking

• Author : Adeeb Sahil
• Date : August 23, 2025

In the state of Gujarat in India, there is a large forest where many wild animals live. This place is called Gir National Park. It is famous because it is the only place in India where you can see Asiatic lions in the wild. Many people from India and other countries visit Gir to see these lions. Among all the lions in the park, two lions became very famous. Their names were Jai and Veeru.

Jai and Veeru were not just any lions. They were strong, brave, and stayed together all the time. Many tourists, forest guides, and local people loved them. They became well-known all over India. But in 2025, something very sad happened. Both Jai and Veeru died just a few weeks apart. Their deaths were big news, and many people were heartbroken.

This is a blog about Jai and Veeru, their life in Gir National Park, and why they were so special.

Who Were Jai And Veeru?

Jai and Veeru were two male Asiatic lions. Most male lions in the wild fight with each other. They usually do not live together. But Jai and Veeru were different. They lived like a team. They did everything together. They walked together, hunted together, and stayed close at all times. Forest officers often saw them side by side. Tourists who made Gir online bookings for the safari hoped to see them during their visits.

Their names came from a famous Bollywood movie called “Sholay.” In the movie, the two main characters were named Jai and Veeru. They were very close friends and always had each other’s backs. Because these two lions were always seen together, people started calling them Jai and Veeru, too.

This name made them more popular. Not just forest officers or tourists, but even local villagers knew about them. Many people said that seeing Jai and Veeru even once was a lucky experience. Wildlife photographers came from far away just to take pictures of them.

Where Did They Live?

The lions Jai and Veeru lived in Gir National Park, also known as Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in southern Gujarat. The park is very large. It covers around 1,412 square kilometers. This area has many trees, grasslands, rivers, and hills.

Gir National Park is the only habitat of the wild Asiatic lion in the entire world. These lions are a little smaller than African lions. A long time ago, there were very few Asiatic lions left. In the early 1900s, only around 20 lions were alive in the wild. The government and local leaders started protecting them. A hunting ban was put in place in 1911 by the Nawab of Junagadh. Since then, the number of lions has slowly increased.

Today, more than 800 Asiatic lions live in Gir National Park. Because of this success, Gir is now known all over the world. It shows how protecting nature can work when done properly. Tourists who want to visit the park can make Gir online bookings for safari rides and enjoy nature.

Why Were Jai And Veeru Special?

In Gir Park, there are many lions, but Jai and Veeru were really unique. What made them special was the way they lived together. Usually, male lions fight each other for land and lionesses. But Jai and Veeru stayed together peacefully. They helped each other. They were not enemies. They were partners.

Together, they controlled a large area in the park. They were the leaders of a group of about 15 lionesses. In the wild, it is not easy to become the leader of a pride. It means you are very strong and smart. Jai and Veeru had both. That is why they ruled the area for many years.

Because their territory included both tourist and protected areas, many people got to see them. Photos and videos of them were uploaded and shared widely on many social media platforms. People came from all over India hoping to see the “Sholay lions.” Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi saw them during his visit to Gir National Park.

Their teamwork and calm nature made them loved by everyone - tourists, villagers, and forest workers.

How Did They Die?

In June 2025, something very sad happened. Veeru got separated from Jai. Nobody knows why. He may have been sick or injured. When he was by himself, another male lion attacked him during a fight in the forest. Lions fight to control the land and lionesses. Veeru was badly injured. Forest staff and doctors tried to save him. But his injuries were too serious. He died on June 11, 2025.

Just a few weeks later, Jai was also found hurt. He had wounds on his body. It looked like he had also been in a fight with another male lion. Without Veeru by his side, Jai was alone and weak. He could not defend himself like before. Forest officials tried to help him, but he died on July 30, 2025.

People across the country felt very sad. News channels showed their photos. Wildlife lovers shared stories about them. Everyone knew that it was the end of an important chapter in Gir’s history.

What Do Forest Officials Say?

Forest officers and animal specialists shared information about the situation. They explained that lions are stronger when they stay together in a group. Being together made Jai and Veeru strong, but once they separated, they lost their strength and became weaker. Other lions could attack them more easily after that.

In the wild, this happens often. Lions need to fight to protect their home and their group. When lions get old or lose strength, younger and stronger lions try to take their place. Jai and Veeru were the leaders of their area for many years. However, life in the forest changes quickly, and nothing stays the same for long.

Experts said this is a normal part of life in Gir National Park. Even though the area is protected, the forest is still a place where only the strongest animals survive. Lions, like all wild animals, must stay strong to live safely.