Guj forest dept urges tourists not to take ‘selfie’ with lions

Gandhinagar: Forest department of Gujarat has urged tourists and the locals not to take ‘selfies’ with lions to dispirit them from getting close to the wild animal and putting their lives at risk.

“The department has observed a growing trend of people risking their lives just to take selfies with lions in forest areas. They do it out of exhilaration and do not realise how dangerous it really is,” said Chief Conservator of Forest S P Sisodia.

“Taking a selfie with the wild animal means one has to go close to it, which is really menacing. Apart from posing at risk, it is also against the laws and can attract action from the department,” added Sisodia.

“If someone will be caught taking pictures with the wild animal, they will be punished as per the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act 1971,” said another official of the department.