Byculla Zoo Tiger Cub Dies After Battle with Parasites

A young Royal Bengal tiger cub named Rudra has died at Byculla zoo, raising concerns about the health of its big cat population. Rudra passed away on October 29, shortly before his third birthday, following a prolonged illness. Officials cited the cub's weak immunity from birth and insufficient maternal milk as contributing factors to his fragile health.

Rudra was hand-raised by a veterinary team from infancy due to these initial health struggles. At three months old, he contracted a parasitic infection, trypanosoma, which severely impacted his vision. Although treated, the infection recurred, leading to symptoms of dullness and low energy. His condition worsened when he stopped eating due to renewed vision loss.

The cub developed respiratory distress and a blood test revealed two additional blood parasites. Despite ongoing treatment, Rudra's health continued to decline, and he ultimately died while under veterinary care. This loss follows closely behind another Royal Bengal tiger, Shakti, who died on November 17 from suspected pneumonia.