On Intl Tiger Day, a white tigress dies at Bannerghatta park

NT Correspondent
Bengaluru

International Tiger Day concluded on a sad note at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) as one of two white tigresses at the facility, Vanya died of an illness. BBP authorities said that the big cat was six years old and suffering from a blood protozoa (single-celled organisms) infection for nearly four months. Tigers are considered old when they reach 12 years of age. However, in captivity, they last longer because of the protected environment. The official cause of death is listed as multiple organ failure.

“Bannerghatta Biological Park regrets to inform the sad demise of our beloved White Tiger ‘Vanya’ died on July 29 early morning. The tigress was suffering from blood protozoa infection and died due to multiple organ failure. She was six years of age and born to Surya and Subhadra,” the statement said.

“She was found ill in April this year. She was found positive for blood parasites and negative for all common feline viral infections. The Health Advisory Committee (HAC) meeting was called and expert opinion was sought from the HAC members: Professor Upendra, Professor Vasanth Shetty, Professor Ansar Kamran and Assistant Professor Jaya Lakkundi. The tigress was under intensive care. The best veterinary care was provided by the team of veterinarians in coordination with the experts and eventually she did not respond to the treatment and succumbed. The visceral samples are collected and sent to IAH&VB (Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals) lab for further examination,” it added.

State home to 524 big cats According to National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Karnataka’s five tiger reserves are home to 524 tigers, with Bandipur and Nagarhole Wildlife sanctuaries accounting for the majority of them. NTCA added that there were 526 tigers in Madhya Pradesh. The report had added that 15 tigers had died in Karnataka in 2021, while the number stood at 126 for the country. A fresh report on the four yearly tiger census is expected to be released shortly