Shivamogga zoo loses its 17-year-old tigress Anjani

Shivamogga: The 17-year-old tigress Anjani died of multi-organ failure in Tiger and Lion Safari at Tyavarekoppa near Shivamogga on Wednesday night.

With Anjani's death, the number of tigers have been reduced from six to five. Currently, one male tiger and four tigresses are in the zoo-cum-safari and available for public viewing.

Speaking to DH, Tyavarekoppa-based zoo-cum-safari Executive Director Amarakshara MV said it was brought from rescue centre at Koorgalli village near Mysuru in 2022.

"Initially, it had been kept for public viewing in the safari. When the muscles started getting disintegrated, it was kept out of public viewing a year ago. It had lost its strength and animal keeper had to feed her everyday as it was unable to consume food," Amarakshara said, adding that Anjani was highly obedient who used to follow the orders of animal keeper.

Currently, Vijay, Nivedita, Poornima, Seetha and Dashami are in the zoo-cum-safari. But Vijay is too old for breeding purpose and there was no compatibility between tigress and Vijay.

Efforts are on to bring a breeding pair from other zoos in the country. The discussions are on with zoo in Maharashtra and Pilikula biological park near Mangaluru.

A team of veterinary experts from government veterinary college from Shivamogga conducted the post-mortem in association with the zoo veterinary officer. The carcass of the tigress was burnt in forest area coming under the purview of the zoo.