WATCH: Asiatic Lion’s Casual Stroll On Gujarat Highway Leaves Commuters Awestruck

An Asiatic lion brought traffic to a standstill on the Bhavnagar-Somnath Highway in Gujarat for 15 minutes as it crossed a bridge. The sighting occurred in Amreli district.

A lion crossing a street in Gujarat was recorded on video (AI image).

Source : ABPLIVE AI

Traffic on the Bhavnagar-Somnath Highway in Gujarat came to a halt when an Asiatic lion decided to take a casual stroll on the road. The rare sighting of the majestic big cat, often called the 'king of the jungle', stopped traffic for nearly 15 minutes as it crossed a bridge and people started recording it.

The encounter took place in Gujarat's Amreli district, where a video of the lion's movements was recorded by a motorist who had stopped on the opposite side of the road. The footage shows the lion walking calmly toward a temple, descending a slope along the highway.

Sightings of Asiatic lions in human-inhabited areas have become more frequent in Gujarat, particularly in regions near the Gir Forest. Videos often emerge on social media showing lions wandering into residential zones or hunting domesticated cattle in nearby villages, highlighting their growing presence beyond protected areas.

गुजरात: सड़क पर शेर आने से थम गई वाहनों की रफ्तार। यह दृश्य भावनगर-सोमनाथ हाईवे का बताया जा रहा हैं। #Bhavnagar #Somnath #gujrat #forest #Lion#Animal@GujForestDept pic.twitter.com/6GvTFycShz

— rakesh bhatt (@rakeshbhat20017) February 18, 2025

All About Gujarat's Asiatic Lion

The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is an endangered species found exclusively in the Gir Forest of Gujarat, India. Unlike their African counterparts, these lions have adapted to a unique ecosystem, battling threats while maintaining their position at the top of the food chain.

Once ranging from the Middle East to India, Asiatic lions faced near-extinction in the early 20th century due to hunting and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts, led by the Indian government and local communities, have played a crucial role in reviving their population. From a mere dozen individuals in the 1900s, their numbers have now grown to over 600, thanks to strict protection measures.