Wayanad's Toothless Tiger Finds Refuge in Kerala's Cutting-Edge Zoo

For seven years, tiger Rudra ruled the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, but a fierce fight with another big cat last year cost him all his canine teeth. Without the ability to hunt, the weakened Rudra began wandering into nearby human settlements, preying on cattle and other easy targets. This triggered fear among the local residents, who demanded that the animal be captured and removed from the area.

In February 2024, forest officials trapped Rudra in a cage at Vadanakkavala. Releasing him back into the wild was not an option, as wildlife managers feared he would not survive and could return to human habitats. Instead, it was decided that Rudra would be shifted to the newly established Thrissur Zoological Park, one of Asia's largest zoos.

The Thrissur Zoological Park, which officially opens on October 28, 2025, is designed to provide animals with near-natural habitats and the freedom to roam. Spread across nine distinct ecological zones, the park aims to offer visitors an immersive experience, allowing them to observe wildlife in action. Rudra will now be able to spend his days in the park's lush, spacious enclosures, well-fed and unchallenged, a far cry from his previous struggles in the wild.