A tiger named Mangala at Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
After nearly six years of specialized care, the forest department has decided to shift the female tiger named ‘Mangala’ to the Thrissur Zoological Park in Puthoor. The tiger was found abandoned by her mother deep in the forest near Mangaladevi Temple in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) on 23 November 2020.
The then two-month-old cub was found in a severely weakened condition, suffering from distended hind limbs and corneal clouding in both eyes, according to the orders of Senior Wildlife Warden Pramod G. Krishnan. The cub was initially shifted to an anti-poaching camp in Karadikkavala for treatment, as per the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
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 in the PTR.
Bilateral cataract
However, veterinary officials later diagnosed the tiger with persistent bilateral cataracts and sought expert ophthalmological advice. A commission of four veterinarians was created to check the animal’s health and determine the feasibility of rewilding.
The committee found that Mangala’s eye condition, bilateral cataract with lens dislocation, showed no clinical improvement despite continued treatment. While surgery was considered the only medical solution, the panel concluded that it is almost impossible to manage the necessary anesthesia and post-operative care in wild or semi-wild felines.
In addition, the jury noted that the tiger had become a “printed human” due to years of care. Her release into the forest could lead to a major conflict between humans and tigers. As a result, the committee unanimously concluded that rewilding was not a viable option and recommended that the animal be kept in captivity. Based on the recommendations of an expert panel, the Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Kottayam and the Field Director, PTR, recommended shifting to Thrissur Zoological Park to ensure the long-term health and welfare of the tiger.
In his order, Mr. Krishnan directed the officials to capture Mangala from AHPCU using a tiger trap or tranquilization for transfer. The Deputy Director of the PTR East Division was tasked with leading the operation under the direction of the Field Director to ensure minimal trauma to the animal during its transfer to the zoological park.
Published – 07 March 2026 20:04 IST
