8 hours ago
Ailing tigress dies at zoological park
Hosapete: Devi, an elderly tigress at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Zoological Park in Kamalapura, near Hampi, succumbed to age-related complications on Thursday. The big cat was estimated to be between 18 and 19 years of age.
The tigress received medical care at the zoo's rescue facility for two years following her rescue from a human-wildlife conflict incident. Dr Rajesh Naik, deputy conservator of forests and executive director of the zoo, confirmed her passing and explained that she arrived at the facility with severe injuries, in a critical state.
Despite showing initial improvement under constant veterinary supervision, her advanced age ultimately prevailed.
The zoo staff observed that in recent weeks, Devi exhibited declining physical health, typical of elderly felines in captivity.
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Zoological Park, formerly the Children Park cum Mini Zoo, was established in 2017, spanning 141.5 hectares in Bilikal West Reserve Forests Area, 5km from Kamalapur. The facility houses diverse wildlife, including tigers, lions, elephants, barking deer, leopards, hyenas, spotted deer, black bucks, jackals, bears, Indian rock pythons, crocodiles, Russell's vipers, King cobras, stone tortoises, and various avian species.
