KANPUR, May 23 -- An outbreak of avian influenza at the Kanpur Zoological Park has triggered emergency protocols and a wide-ranging review, following the death of an Asiatic lion named Pataudi and reports of illness among other big cats. Preliminary investigations point to lapses in preparedness on the day the lion was brought to the zoo.

Pataudi, who was shifted from Gorakhpur Zoo on May 11, died at the Kanpur facility on May 15. Zoo officials said basic protective protocols were not followed during his arrival, with face masks and safety gear only made available nearly five hours later.

"On the day of arrival, no one suspected that the lion might be infected. Masks were arranged only by around 5 pm, long after he had been brought into...