Jay-Veeru Ni Amar Gatha
Parimal Nathwani
A tribute film about the pair, released with the folk song Jay-Veeru Ni Jodi.
Deceased
Veeru
Also known as Veeru of Gir · The First of the Pair to Fall
c. 2015 – 10/11 June 2025
Born in Gir forest, Gujarat, India
Veeru was an Asiatic lion of the Gir forest in Gujarat, India, and one half of Jay and Veeru, the most famous pair of lions in Gir in recent years.
Jay and Veeru were named by Gir forest officials, with the lion enthusiast and MP Parimal Nathwani, after the two inseparable friends of Sholay, the 1975 Bollywood classic. For more than eight years they roamed together in the Tulsishyam range of Gir East in Gujarat, India, ruling an area that included Malanka, Kenedipur, Natadia, Itadi and Limadra. They were often seen walking and resting side by side and defending each other against rival males, and they became the star attraction of Gir; Prime Minister Narendra Modi saw them on a visit to Gir shortly before their deaths.
In 2025 the two were separated, and rival males attacked. Veeru was seen limping and was taken to the Jasadhar animal care centre, but he died during treatment on 10 or 11 June 2025, at about ten; the post-mortem found internal injuries and swelling of the stomach. Jay died of his own injuries seven weeks later.
8+Years with Jay
~10Age at death
5Areas ruled
2025Died
Profile
Identity
- Name
- VeeruThe name he is best known by
- Nicknames
- Information not available
- Origin of the name
- After the hero of the film Sholay (1975)
- Sex
- Male
- Distinguishing features
- Asiatic lion
- Weight
- Information not availableFor reference, adult male Asiatic lions usually weigh 160–190 kg
Birth & Family
- Born
- c. 2015Estimated
- Birthplace
- Gir forest, Gujarat, India
- Birth pride
- Information not available
- Father
- Information not available
- Mother
- Information not available
- Siblings
- Information not availableWhether Jay and Veeru were related has not been published
Reign
- Pride king
- Yes, with his partner
- Prides ruled
- Prides of the Tulsishyam range, Gir East
- Pride size
- Information not available
- Reign
- More than 8 years together
- Ruled with
- Jay
- Coalition
- Jay and Veeru
- Home range
- Tulsishyam range, Gir East, Gujarat, IndiaMalanka, Kenedipur, Natadia, Itadi and Limadra
- Territory size
- Information not available
Death
- Died
- 10 or 11 June 2025
- Age at death
- About 10
- Cause of death
- Injuries from a territorial fightInternal injuries and stomach swelling found at post-mortem
- Place of death
- Jasadhar animal care centre, Gir, Gujarat
- Burial
- Information not available
Names & Meanings
VeeruName
After Veeru, Dharmendra’s character in Sholay, the loyal friend of Jai.
Family & Lineage
Not publishedParentsGir lions.
Veeru of GirVeeruc. 2015 – 2025
PartnerJayDied on 30 July 2025.View record →OffspringCubsCubs fathered with Jay in the Tulsishyam range.
Life Story
- c. 2015
Born in the Gir forest.
- c. 2017
Began roaming with Jay.
- 2017 – 2025
Ruled the Tulsishyam range with Jay.
- 2025
Separated from Jay and attacked by rival males.
- June 2025
Taken to Jasadhar for treatment after limping.
- 10 – 11 June 2025
Died of his injuries.
Legend & Truth
10 or 11 June?
Reports give both dates; the difference may be between the time of death and its announcement.
Photographs
Photograph coming soon
Photograph coming soon
Photograph coming soon
Film
The film of Veeru of Gir’s life is coming soon
Animation
An animated story of Veeru of Gir’s life is coming soon
Documentaries & Features
Sources
- The School Post — Veeru passes away
- Indian Masterminds — Jai and Veeru die weeks apart
- Vibes of India — Gir’s iconic lion duo Jay, Veeru dead
- Vibes of India — Memorial for Jay and Veeru
Where sources disagree, the most widely reported figure is shown, with other reports noted beneath it.