Claws, not jaws: Sasan Gir lioness goes on a strange safari sabotage spree, targeting vehicle tyres
A video grab taken by tourists from inside a safari vehicle showing the lioness letting the air out of a tyre
Synopsis A young lioness in Gujarat is famous. She punctures tyres of safari jeeps. Tourists filmed her. The video went viral. Locals call her 'puncture wali sinhan'. Forest officials are investigating. They think scents on the vehicles provoke her. Devalia Park is monitoring the situation. Safaris continue with safety measures. Visitors might get a flat tyre. In the wilderness near Devalia Safari Park in Gujarat's Sasan Gir, a young lioness has become something of a local celebrity — not for hunting skills, but for a strange, persistent habit: puncturing the tyres of parked safari vehicles, according to a TOI report.
ADVERTISEMENT Tourists recently captured a video of the lioness in action, and the footage quickly made waves online. It shows her calmly approaching a parked jeep, sniffing around it, and then suddenly launching a surprise attack — not on the humans, but on one of the tyres. In seconds, she expertly bites down on the valve, releasing a loud hiss as the air escapes. The lioness then walks away, mission complete, leaving behind a startled audience and a flat tyre.
TOI reported that locals and park staff say this isn't a one-off. The animal has done it multiple times and now has a reputation in the area. 'We've seen her do this before,' a safari guide said. 'Around here, we call her 'puncture wali sinhan'. She has a real talent for it.'
Possible reasons behind the odd habit While the behaviour might seem comical, forest officials are trying to understand why this lioness is so interested in tyres. According to Mohan Ram, deputy conservator of forests, the vehicle might have carried traces of scents that triggered the lioness's instincts. 'Sometimes dogs or other animals ride in or near these vehicles, and the lingering smell could be provoking her. It's not aggression — more likely curiosity or irritation,' he explained to TOI. The vehicle shown in the viral video is part of the official safari fleet that operates inside Devalia Park. Although this specific incident drew attention, officers say such occurrences, while rare, are not entirely new.
ADVERTISEMENT Devalia Safari Park is a fenced area that gives tourists a chance to observe lions in a semi-natural environment. While the 'puncture wali' lioness adds an element of unpredictability to the safari experience, officials insist that safety measures are in place and all unusual behaviour is closely monitored, noted the news outlet. Because in the lion territory of Gir, you might drive in for a safari — but leave with a flat tyre and a wild story
ADVERTISEMENT
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)
Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.
NEXT STORY
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
‘Debris landed on my car': Man takes U-turn to escape death by seconds as Air India plane crashes ahead, calls himself ‘luckiest person in the world'
AHMEDABAD: A dramatic video showing a plane crash with an SUV making a swift U-turn has gone viral on social media platforms, getting millions of views. The driver behind the wheel, Rashmi Chauhan (53), considers himself the "luckiest person in the world" after his split-second decision potentially saved his life. The incident occurred when Chauhan, a developer residing in Kalapinagar area, was en route to Shahibaug via the back road of Ghoda camp. Within moments of proceeding on his usual route, the Air India plane crashed metres ahead of his vehicle. "I was driving normally when suddenly there was this massive explosion. I have never heard such a deafening blast in my entire life. The impact was so severe that debris from the aircraft landed on my car," Chauhan told TOI. The quick-thinking driver immediately made a U-turn to distance himself from the crash site. "If I had been just few seconds earlier on that road, I shudder to think what could have happened. By God's grace, I escaped what could have been a fatal situation," he added. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
Potholes and unscientific speed breakers ruin fun: Highs and lows of owning supercar in Bengaluru
Image Credit: TOI/Mini Thomas Potholes and unscientific speed breakers ruin the fun of driving supercars in Bengaluru. BENGALURU: Vrooming in a supercar in Bengaluru could turn into an unpleasant experience within seconds. 'Potholes, oversized speedbreakers, and poorly designed dividers lacking reflectors present significant challenges. These become particularly problematic for supercars which typically have low ground clearance,' says Rajath KK, 23, who owns a BMW M6. Many Bengalureans today can afford high-performance supercars and have the passion to drive them, but the limitations are many. Night drives are safer, says Rajath, who lives in Abbigere in Jalahalli and runs an interior design company. Image Credit: TOI/Mini Thomas 'Navigating the city requires careful planning. I drive during early morning hours or late at night for several reasons – heavy traffic congestion in the city, local residents' reactions, and unpredictable lane changes by other motorists,' he says. Waterlogging is another big concern, especially during the monsoon season. 'We invest considerable resources in purchasing and modifying these vehicles, and any damage would result in substantial repair costs,' Rajath says. Zubair Ali Jung, who drives around Bengaluru in his Audi 8, notes that supercar owners pay premium road taxes, but have to settle for potholes and uneven surfaces that severely impact the driving experience. Rajath pleads that supercar and bike owners are a misunder stood lot. 'High-performance exhausts in our vehicles are not merely aesthetic additions but crucial components that enhance vehicle performance and functionality,' he says. The turn on For all their complaints, supercar owners also have their many moments of joy. 'The roar of my supercar's V-10 engine gives me a high, with the intake and exhaust notes turning me on,' says A R Shabbir, businessman and racer who owns a Lamborghini. Rajath looks forward to car enthusiast gatherings, which are gaining popularity. Team Clutches, a group founded by him, hosts meetups and car shows. He is a regular at events organized by 6th Gear and Htrz Modz too. The events, he says, foster a sense of community amongst fellow enthusiasts. Zubair also loves meeting new people. The 36-year-old, nicknamed Spiderman by his friends, says owning a supercar can broaden one's social connections. 'It feels great to be part of a community of enthusiasts. When we glide into these beauties and cruise together, it creates wonderful moments of happiness and camaraderie,' smiles Jung, who is part of groups like Team1 Racing and Team Clutches. At these gatherings, participants share knowledge and collaborate on shared objectives. The supercar market in India is unorganised. Interactions with other car enthusiasts helps one gain valuable insights on what needs to be sold or bought. Aditya Arora, founder of Boit Club and who has been a supercar owner for the last 14 years, says they regularly coordinate social gatherings and facilitate new vehicle unveiling ceremonies. A specialised 3D animation facility that he offers helps create detailed visualisations of supercar modifications prior to actual implementation. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
India engages China to stabilise rare earth supply amid EV sector disruptions
New Delhi: India is actively engaging with China to restore stability and predictability in trade-related supply chains following Beijing's recent restrictions on rare earth exports, which have disrupted electric vehicle (EV) production globally, ToI business desk reports. 'We are in touch with the Chinese side, both here in Delhi as also in Beijing, to bring predictability in supply chains for trade, consistent with international practices,' said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, during a press briefing on Thursday. The diplomatic outreach comes in response to China's move in April to tighten export controls on seven rare earth elements, including samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, and lutetium. These elements are vital in the production of high-performance magnets used in EV motors, as well as in advanced technologies like missile systems and defense electronics. Automaker's take on it The restrictions, which now require special licences for exports, have sent ripples across the global automotive supply chain. India's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, has reportedly scaled back its near-term EV production targets due to concerns over raw material shortages. According to Reuters , the company now plans to manufacture just 8,000 units of its debut electric vehicle by September—down sharply from an earlier target of over 26,000 units. While Maruti Suzuki Chairman R.C. Bhargava stated earlier this week that 'as of now, there is no impact on production,' the supply-side risks remain significant. China currently controls over 90per cent of the world's processing capacity for rare earth materials, leaving EV and hybrid vehicle manufacturers heavily reliant on its exports. Several Indian automakers have sought urgent government intervention to fast-track approvals from Chinese authorities via local vendors. However, delays in licence issuance have deepened the uncertainty, particularly for manufacturers dependent on rare earth magnets for EV propulsion systems. These magnets are essential components in permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), which deliver high torque and efficiency in compact EV designs. While internal combustion engine vehicles use such magnets in subsystems like electric power steering, their role in EV drivetrains is far more critical. As India pushes toward its clean mobility and net-zero goals, securing a reliable supply of critical materials is becoming a top strategic priority. The government is simultaneously exploring alternative sources and chemistries to reduce dependence on Chinese imports. However, in the short term, manufacturers continue to navigate an increasingly volatile global supply landscape.
