12.07.2025 16:28
After being captured on a farm in the Torbalı district of İzmir and placed under protection at the Sasalı Nature Park of the Metropolitan Municipality, a young lion named Pars, whose name was determined through a social media poll, was killed by an adult lion.
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In March, during a raid by security forces on a farm in Torbalı, a lion estimated to be around 10 months old was seized and handed over by the Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks to the officials of the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Natural Life Park Branch Directorate.
WAS FED WITH CAT FOOD The lion, which was found to be kept in unsuitable conditions and fed only with cat food, was kept in quarantine for 1 month. A suitable feeding program was prepared for the lion, and necessary treatments were applied to strengthen its immunity. The name of the lion was given by the people of İzmir. In an online survey organized by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, the cub was named 'Pars'.
ADULT LION KILLED PARS According to allegations, last week, Pars was placed in the main enclosure where adult lions were located during the final stage of the adaptation process. The lion, which was reported to be the leader of the adult lions here, attacked Pars. Pars, who suffered a head trauma, could not be saved.
MUNICIPALITY MADE A STATEMENT Following Pars's death, a statement was made by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality regarding the incident, stating, "After a report of illegal human care, the young male lion Pars, who was seized by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks and brought to İzmir Natural Life Park at the age of 10 months, showed signs of rickets and internal-external parasites during examinations. His treatment and a very special adaptation process were initiated immediately. A suitable feeding regimen was established for him, and his behavioral development was monitored. He was introduced to other lions through barrier introductions to establish connections. The process was carried out carefully in accordance with the recommendations of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) officials. Every living being has the right to live in its natural environment, with its own species and under its own conditions. Pars suffered a severe head trauma due to a sudden attack from another lion in the pride during the adaptation process. Despite all interventions, he could not be saved," the statement said.
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