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Tiger's Eye Condition Seals Zoo Fate
7 Mar
Summary
- Tiger found abandoned and weak on November 23, 2020.
- Persistent bilateral cataracts prevent rewilding efforts.
- Tiger imprinted on humans, posing conflict risk if released.
A tiger, affectionately named Mangala, is set to be relocated to Thrissur Zoological Park in Puthoor after nearly six years of specialized care. She was discovered as a two-month-old cub on November 23, 2020, in a severely weakened state within the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Initial treatment focused on her splayed hind legs and eye conditions. An Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Unit was later established in July 2021 to facilitate her rehabilitation within the reserve. However, veterinary assessments revealed persistent bilateral cataracts.
An expert committee determined that surgery for her cataracts was medically feasible but logistically impossible in a semi-wild setting. Furthermore, Mangala has developed human imprinting, raising concerns about potential human-tiger conflict if released. Consequently, rewilding was deemed unviable, and placement in captivity was recommended for her long-term welfare.
The Forest department has ordered her capture using a tiger trap or tranquilization to ensure a low-stress transfer to the zoo. This decision prioritizes the tiger's health and safety given her specific medical needs and imprinted behavior.
