Sher Khan at the Tata Steel Zoological Park in Jamshedpur. A Telegraph file picture

Jamshedpur, Sept. 24: It will be an empty cell at the Tata Steel Zoological Park (TSZP) from tomorrow. Sher Khan — an Afro-Indian breed — said to be the oldest hybrid lion in the country and a favourite among the children of the steel city, died in its cell early this morning.

Over 22 years of age, the lion had not been keeping well for some years and had become too weak to move.

According to MS Jain, director of TSZP, the hybrid lion was probably the oldest in the country. “The normal life expectancy of a lion is taken as 17 years. The one with us was over 22 years old,” he said.

“A post-mortem finding reveals Sher Khan could have died due to liver malfunction and retention of urine, leading to uremia,” the senior zoo functionary added.

Sher Khan died around 5.30 am and was buried inside the zoo compound.

According to Jain, the lion had started showing signs of age two years ago when it lost its canines and was occasionally going without food. The animal had overgrown nails, lost appetite and movement.

“It was under intensive care from September 1. Food intake had reduced drastically, which caused weakness, dehydration and progressive bed sores,” he said.

Sher Khan was brought here from the Nandan Kanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar in February 1994.

“The CZA does not circulate age data of hybrid lions as they do not find place on its conservation list. Since hybrid lions don’t adapt in Indian conditions, the CZA does not include them in its conservation list. Indian environment is conducive for pure Asiatic lions,” he said.