The lions Sita and Akbar, living together in a captive-breeding program in India’s West Bengal state, have become the center of controversy. A high-ranking forestry official was suspended for naming the lioness Sita and her mate Akbar, drawing outrage from Hindu activists who considered it blasphemous. The incident has escalated religious and political tensions in the country. Indian zoos have a tradition of naming animals after historical figures, but this incident has sparked a debate on sensitivity and religious respect.