Lion Seized From Gagik Tsarukyan’s Estate Dies After Transfer to Yerevan Zoo

A lion seized from the estate of Armenian opposition leader Gagik Tsarukyan died shortly after being transferred to the Yerevan Zoo, where veterinarians determined the animal suffered from severe age-related health problems.

The female lion was one of three lions and a tiger removed from Tsarukyan’s property Tuesday after investigators searched the estate as part of a criminal case into alleged illegal hunting.

In a statement released Wednesday, the Yerevan Zoo said the lion never regained consciousness after being anesthetized for transport. A post-mortem examination found the animal was of advanced age and had multiple chronic medical conditions that had severely affected its health.

According to the zoo, veterinarians found significant damage to the lion’s spleen, liver, lungs and heart. The examination also revealed inflammation of the gallbladder, obesity and fluid in the abdominal cavity, which officials said were consistent with age-related disease.

The zoo said those underlying health conditions were confirmed in the necropsy report and were the reason the animal did not recover.

The lion had been transferred after Armenia’s Investigative Committee announced it had seized three lions, one tiger and 190 taxidermy specimens of wild animals and birds from Tsarukyan’s estate in Kotayk province. Investigators said the search was conducted as part of a criminal investigation into alleged illegal hunting.

Authorities allege the suspected poaching caused about 30 million drams, or approximately $78,000, in environmental damage. The committee also said the remaining animals at the estate will be removed and placed in responsible care in the coming days.

The animal seizure is separate from the criminal case in which Tsarukyan, leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party and one of Armenia’s wealthiest businessmen, was detained and charged with fraud and money laundering following coordinated raids on his home and businesses. His lawyers have denied the allegations, calling the prosecution politically motivated.

Both investigations remain ongoing.

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