Visitors to the Sarthana Zoo in Surat now have a lot to rejoice as a couple of lions (a lion and a lioness) has recently been shifted there from the Raipur Safari Park.

Sarthana Zoo superintendent Rajesh Patel informed that this is the first time in five years the zoo has got lions.

“The last time the zoo had lions was five years ago," hindustantimes.com reported quoting Patel.

"The lion is three years old and the lioness is six years old," he added.

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"We are glad to welcome them from the Raipur Safari Park," he further says.

"They were quarantined for five days after their arrival and have now been put for public display," he further said.

The lions were rare Asiatic breed.

A visitor, Mihir Oja, said that the Sarthana Zoo was a good place to visit, even amid pandemic, as social distancing norms were being followed meticulously.

“I have come here especially to see the lions. This is the best place to visit after such a long ongoing COVID-19 period," he said.

"People are following COVID-19 protocols and ensuring social distance,” Ojha added.

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