An adult male tiger was released in Papikonda National Park in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
An adult male tiger, named ‘Explorer’, was reintroduced into the wild in the Godavari landscape of Papikonda National Park (PNP) in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday morning (February 14, 2026) as part of Operation Stripes, eight days after he was euthanized.
The transitional tiger calmed down after traversing more than 650 kilometers of the functional corridor that stretches between central India and the Eastern Ghats. Described as innocent, his behavior and demeanor convinced the Indian tiger conservationists to give him a new lease of life by releasing him back into the wild.
Highly placed sources associated with Operation Stripes told The Hindu, “The tiger was released into the wild at 9.30 am on Saturday. It is healthy and walked with a bit of calmness. It showed shyness during the release.”
Satellite collar
Sources also revealed that the tiger was fitted with a satellite collar and the GPS system was enabled to receive signals. Transmission of tiger movement data has started and recording is in progress. This is the first tiger operation in the state in which the tiger is tracked using a satellite collar, according to wildlife officials. The satellite collar is also equipped with a VHF calling device that allows the monitoring team to track the tiger’s movements.
As part of Operation Stripes, officials have also launched an initiative to expand herbivore populations in the landscape where the tiger was released. Sources informed that special teams have been deployed to monitor the movement of the tiger in the wild until it establishes its own territory.
Rajahmundry Wildlife Management staff and ground staff involved in the tranquilization task praised the successful rehabilitation of the big cat.
Published – 14 Feb 2026 20:30 IST