Male-Female Tiger Pair Arrives in Sirmaur From Nagpur After 1,900-Km Journey; Public Viewing Expected From October 2
SIRMAUR, HIMACHAL PRADESH:
After a gap of nearly 11 years, the roar of the Royal Bengal Tiger is set to return to the Shri Renuka Ji Zoo in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district.
A male-female pair of tigers arrived at Shri Renuka Ji on Sunday from the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park in Nagpur, Maharashtra, marking a significant addition to the zoo’s wildlife collection.
The two tigers travelled approximately 1,900 kilometres from Maharashtra to Himachal Pradesh under special security and monitoring arrangements.
43-Hour Journey to Sirmaur
The tiger pair comprises a male tiger aged around five years and a female tiger aged approximately three years.
The journey reportedly lasted nearly 43 hours, during which a team from the Wildlife Department and wildlife experts continuously monitored the animals to ensure their safety and well-being.
After reaching Shri Renuka Ji, the tigers were shifted to an indoor ward, where veterinarians are monitoring their health and allowing them time to acclimatise to their new surroundings.
Officials said the animals will remain under observation before being moved to the enclosure prepared for public viewing.
Modern Enclosure Prepared for the Tigers
According to the Wildlife Department, a modern enclosure has been constructed at Shri Renuka Ji Zoo for the newly arrived tigers.
Approximately ₹1.67 crore has reportedly been spent on the construction of the enclosure.
The facility has been prepared keeping in mind the requirements of the animals as well as arrangements for visitors who will eventually be able to observe the tigers.
Brought Under Wildlife Exchange Programme
The tiger pair has been brought from Maharashtra to Himachal Pradesh under a wildlife exchange programme.
Officials said the necessary formalities required under applicable Central Government regulations were completed before the transfer.
The programme is intended to facilitate the exchange and management of wildlife between zoological facilities while following prescribed regulatory procedures.
Tourists Will Have to Wait a Few More Days
Although the tigers have reached Renuka Ji, visitors will not be able to see them immediately.
The Wildlife Department plans to release the pair into their dedicated enclosure for public viewing from October 2, subject to completion of the required health monitoring and acclimatisation period.
Veterinarians and wildlife officials will continue observing the animals during this period to ensure that they adjust properly to their new environment.
New Attraction for Sirmaur Tourists
The return of the Royal Bengal Tigers is expected to add a new attraction to Shri Renuka Ji, one of Himachal Pradesh’s important tourism and wildlife destinations.
For wildlife enthusiasts and tourists, the arrival of the tiger pair is likely to increase interest in the zoo and the surrounding Renuka Ji region.
After nearly 11 years without tigers, their return marks a notable development for the zoo and adds another highlight to Sirmaur’s wildlife tourism landscape.
DW24 NEWS | Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh
