File photo of Mangala at the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
After nearly six years of specialized care, the forest department has relocated a female tiger named ‘Mangala’ to the Thrissur Zoological Park in Puthoor. Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G. Krishnan confirmed that the tiger was captured and brought to the park on Thursday evening. According to officials, the tiger has been moved in a specialized cage to ensure its safety.
The tiger was found abandoned as a cub by her mother deep in the forest near Mangaladevi Temple in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) on 23 November 2020.
The cub was initially shifted to an anti-poaching camp in Karadikkavala for treatment. In July 2021, the Forest Department set up a 2.78-hectare Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Unit (AHPCU) at Onnampalam near Thekkady, specifically for the rehabilitation and survival of the tiger.
During the rehabilitation process, veterinary officials diagnosed Mangala with persistent bilateral cataracts and sought expert ophthalmology advice. A committee of four veterinarians was formed to review her health and determine whether resuscitation was feasible.
Ultimately, the committee found that Mangal’s condition—bilateral cataract with lens dislocation—showed no clinical improvement despite continued treatment. While surgery was being considered, the panel concluded that the required anesthesia and post-operative care would be nearly impossible in a semi-feral cat.
Since the big cat is unable to hunt or survive in the wild, officials have decided against releasing it. In March, the Chief Wildlife Warden ordered her transfer to the Thrissur Zoo to ensure her lifelong care.
According to officials, this is the first time in south India that the forest department has kept a tiger with such specialized care in a tiger reserve.
The official said that Roy Abraham, a forest conservation observer, has also been sent to the Thrissur Zoological Park to continue looking after the big cat. For the past six years, Mr. Abraham has cared for the animal and developed a deep personal bond with it. Based on his wish to continue caring for Mangala, the forest department approved his request to accompany her to Thrissur to ensure her welfare.
Published – 08 May 2026 19:28 IST
