Ajith was ailing for the past one month and survived on fluid and supportive therapy.
According to the post mortem report, the lion died of pneumonia and multi-organ failure. The samples of viscera and other parts have been sent to the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Hebbal and a private lab.
Ajith was nine years old when he was rescued from Rajkamal Circus in Chikmagalur and brought to the Bannerghatta Rescue Centre.
Sundar, another aged lion, had died in the BBP. A seven-week-old tiger cub, separated from its mother, had also died of pneumonia, epilepsy and neurological problems.
The Veterinary Hospital located on the BBP premises does not have any facility to diagnose the ailing animals.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks