Atul, the lion which sired 26 cubs, dies of old age in Hyd zoo

A 19-year old male Asiatic lion died Thursday at the Nehru Zoological Park here due to old age complications, the zoo said.

"Atul", a veteran member of the zoo, was off feed and unable to walk. He was under the observation of zoo veterinarians since one week and the death was due to senility (old age) complications, it said in a release.

"Atul has been an important part of our family and has sired 26 cubs which are presently accommodated in zoos in India and across the world," it said.

The life span of Asiatic Lion in wild is 12-15 years and in captivity around 18 years, the release said.