Tigress Rani at Pilikula Biological Park.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Mangaluru: The 14-year-old tigress 'Rani' has given birth to two cubs at Pilikula Biological Park. The tigress had previously set a record by giving birth to five healthy cubs in 2016. Later, she gave birth to three cubs in 2021, said Park Director H Jayaprakash Bhandary.
He said the mother and the cubs are healthy. Zoo officials are paying special attention to the mother and cubs.
Through an Animal Exchange programme conducted in 2016, Rani was brought from Bannerghatta Biological Park and a male tiger from Pilikula Biological Park was given in exchange.
The number of tigers in Pilikula Biological Park has increased to 10. There are currently four male and four females, and the sex of the cubs will be checked after two months, he said.
Steps have been taken to provide the tigress with nutritious food and health supplements. The tiger cubs will be vaccinated after one and a half months; during this time, a lot of care will be required as the health of the cubs is very sensitive.
Measures have been taken to prevent anyone except the essential personnel from entering the tiger’s animal house, said the director.