BHOPAL: Jamuna , the 26-year-old lioness, died at Van Vihar National Park rescue centre on Sunday. One of the oldest lioness in the country, she died due to old age.According to park officials, the lioness was brought to Van Vihar on July 1, 2010 from Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The feline was rescued from Rajmahal Circus at Korba when it was 18-year-old and brought to Van Vihar. She was kept under special observation because of her old age and provided vitamins and minerals along with food. She wasn't suffering from any disease.During the post mortem, it was found that due to old age her body parts had stopped working which is considered to be the reason behind her death. Her body was later cremated in the presence of forest officials.Earlier, a 26-year-old lion Anthony had died of old age at Van Vihar National Park on August 4, 2016. He was rescued on October 22, 2006 from Rajmahal Circus at Korba when it was 16-year-old and brought to Van Vihar. On July 13, 2016, 28-year-old lion Ramu also died due to old age. He was considered to be oldest lion in the country then. He was rescued from Rajmahal Circus at Korba when it was 18 years old and brought to Van Vihar. On March 3, 2016, a 26-year-old lion Johny breathed his last at Van Vihar rescue centre. Johny was also brought to Van Vihar in October 2016 from Rajmahal Circus. According to the post-mortem report, he too died because of old age.As per park officials, lions live in the wild up to 16 years as they mostly die due to injuries and territorial fights. However, when a lion is put in captivity, they generally live longer for over 20 years.After Jamuna's death, the lion count in the park has come down to five. The five lions include Laba, 14, Montu 13, Varu, 11, Shiva, 18, and Shivani, 18.

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