While the rest of the world may cower at the idea of being in a confined space with a lion or a leopard, a group of fearless women in the Gir forests of Gujarat is doing the seemingly impossible.

Even through the heavy demands of their personal lives - marriage and motherhood included, these women never compromised on their duties at the forest and to their lions.

The hours may be unbelievable and their monetary compensation may not even come close to enough, but the team of devoted and lion-hearted women has grown from a mere 8 in 2007 to 43 today. What drives 'em, you ask? I think it's safe to say that the joy of keeping these beauties healthy and happy is its own reward.