Wild Tiger from Rajahmundry Successfully Relocated to Visakhapatnam Rescue Facility
A wild tiger that had been creating significant tension and concern in the areas surrounding Rajahmundry city for over two weeks has been successfully captured and transferred to a specialized animal care facility. The big cat, which had been on the loose for approximately 17 days, was moved to the Animal Rescue Center (ARC) attached to the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam, commonly known as Vizag, on Saturday.
Safe Capture and Immediate Medical Assessment
The tiger was captured by expert teams with the assistance of forest department staff on Friday. Following its capture, the animal was transported to Vizag under secure and safe conditions to ensure its well-being during the journey. Upon arrival at the ARC, the zoo park medical team, led by Dr. Bhanu Prasad, conducted a thorough health examination of the tiger. The big cat has been placed under quarantine as a standard precautionary measure.
Dr. Bhanu Prasad confirmed to sources that the tiger is in good health and is currently under close observation by the medical team. The enclosure at the ARC in Yendada had been prepared in advance for the tiger's arrival, with zoo authorities, including curator G. Mangamma, ensuring all necessary arrangements were in place.
Role and History of the Animal Rescue Center
The Animal Rescue Center in Visakhapatnam has a long-standing reputation for its work in wildlife rehabilitation. Operational since 2001, the ARC has specialized in caring for and rehabilitating a variety of wild animals, including tigers, lions, sloth bears, turtles, and crocodiles. Many of these animals were rescued from circuses and other unsafe or inappropriate environments.
The facility provides specialized veterinary care, temperature-controlled environments, and proper nourishment to distressed and injured wildlife. It plays a crucial role in treating animals that have been harmed and offering them a long-term refuge when needed. The ARC had recently become vacant following the death of Bigo, a 24-year-old Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), which was listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Future Plans for the Tiger's Release
Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) B. M. Diwan Mydeen stated that the tiger remains under the vigilant watch of the medical team and is in stable condition. A committee will be formed to decide on the appropriate course of action for releasing the tiger back into the wild. In such cases, the committee typically includes representatives from the Wildlife Organisation, the Wildlife Institute of India, and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
According to sources familiar with the matter, the tiger is likely to be released into the Nagarjuna Sagar Tiger Reserve. This decision will be made after careful consideration of the tiger's health, behavior, and the suitability of the reserve for its reintegration into a natural habitat.
