A stunning image of an Asiatic lion

Standing on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Gujarat’s Junagadh went viral in October 2023.

The lion was seen casually standing on the beach as if it were enjoying the waves.

The photo was shared by Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan, who wrote: “When #Narnia seems real. A lion king captured enjoying the tides of the Arabian Sea on Gujarat coast. Courtesy: CCF, Junagadh.”

The photo has been compared to a scene from the movie Narnia, where a lion stands in front of the sea during the climax. It is a rare sight to see a lion so close to the sea, but it is becoming more common as Asiatic lions expand their range into coastal areas of Gujarat.

A study by researchers in Gujarat’s forest department found that the reason why Asiatic lions are seen around coastal regions is due to a four-fold increase in their population since 1968. This has forced many lions to disperse out of Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.

While Asiatic lions do not hunt marine animals, it is possible that they may develop a taste for scavenging dead fish in the future.

The photo of the lion enjoying the sea in Gujarat is a reminder of the adaptability and resilience of these magnificent creatures. It is also a reminder of the importance of protecting their habitat and ensuring that they have enough space to roam freely.

Image credit: Twitter X