The myth that Gir lions are tame was created by the famous ` lion shows' during which selected prides of lions would come to a bait on calling by forest officers. The lions were used to human presence and behaved like pet dogs and cats in the vicinity of tourists. Most films made on the lions of Gir have featured these ` show lions' or injured lions, as it is extremely difficult to spot lions in the forest let alone film them, adding to the image. Some of the lions of Gir are dangerous and have mauled over 200 people in the last few decades. The sight of a huge male lion appearing from the hilly forests as if by magic, or lionesses stalking their prey could well make the hair of even the most intrepid traveller, stand on end in fear. Gir has some of largest panthers imaginable, which could be seen crossing the path and setting off an alarm call of the forest deer. Sambhar deer, spotted deer, blue bull(nilgai), Indian gazelle(chinkara), the world's only 4 horned antelope(chowsingha), wild boar, hyaena, jackal, hare and other mammals are frequently seen during drives in the forest. . Interesting birds to enter our checklist during the 3 days at Gir were the paradise flycatcher, grey drongo, grey & painted francolin, painted sandgrouse, bush quail, crested hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, bonnelli's eagle, shikra hawk, sirkeer cuckoo and white necked stork.The Kamleshwar dam in the middle of the sanctuary is home to a record population of marsh crocodile. For those short of time, the Lion safari at Gir offers a fair cross-section of habitats and wildlife of Gir.