In a promising stride for wildlife conservation in India, Royal Bengal Tigers — India’s national pride and apex predators of the subcontinent — are thriving even outside their native territories.
A pair of these majestic cats, Tejal and Shera, originally from Bengal Safari Park in Siliguri in north Bengal, were relocated to Sipahijala Zoological Park in Tripura under the Central Government’s Animal Exchange Program. Now, nearly a year later, the conservation gamble has paid off— earlier this month, Tejal gave birth to three healthy cubs, marking a significant victory for ex-situ tiger conservation efforts in the Northeast.
With this birth, Sipahijala Zoo's tiger population has risen to seven, drawing praise from conservationists and forest authorities alike. This event underscores not only the adaptability of the species but also the importance of controlled breeding and habitat enrichment in zoological settings.
The Animal Exchange Program is a strategic initiative that fosters genetic diversity, breeding success, and educational opportunities across Indian zoos. In the same spirit, Tripura's zoo contributed lions, spectacled monkeys, black buck deer and leopard cats to Bengal Safari Park, receiving in return several animals, including birds and the iconic Bengal tiger pair.
State forest minister Birbaha Hansda acknowledged the achievement with pride. “Bengal Safari has emerged as a pioneer in captive breeding and conservation of Royal Bengal Tigers. It’s encouraging to know that the tiger couple sent to Tripura last year has successfully reproduced. This reflects the strength of our breeding program and the collaborative spirit between states,” she said.
Bengal Safari Park itself stands as a conservation success story. What began with just three Royal Bengal Tigers has now grown into a thriving population of eleven. Additionally, nine tigers have been relocated to zoos across India to promote species survival through the exchange programme.
However, the journey hasn’t been without setbacks. In a tragic incident last year, white tiger Rika’s cubs died shortly after birth, highlighting the delicate nature of captive breeding. A total of four cubs have been lost so far in the park’s history—somber reminders of the challenges in replicating natural conditions within artificial habitats.
The successful birth in Tripura signifies more than just numbers—it reflects the adaptive resilience of the Royal Bengal Tiger, the efficiency of inter-state wildlife cooperation, and the growing role of modern zoos in conservation.
As India strengthens its focus on wildlife corridors, ecological balance and captive breeding, stories like Tejal and Shera’s offer hope. They remind that with responsible stewardship and science-backed policies, apex species can continue to thrive—beyond state lines, and beyond borders.
Follow us
