The Bhubaneswar tigress, which moved from Maharashtra in 2024, has given birth to four cubs in the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha, Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singkuntia said on Tuesday.
He added that the tigress gave birth to the cubs about 20 days ago, and that the mother and cubs are in good health.
He added, “The cubs are being monitored via GPS and are safe. Zeenat is also in good health. This is very encouraging news for the reserve.”
A photo taken by a trap camera showed Zeenat holding one of her cubs in her mouth.
Zeenat, along with another tigress – Jamuna, was brought to Similipal from Tadoba-Andari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra in November 2024 as part of efforts to boost the tiger gene pool in the reserve. She was three years old at the time.
The tigress had earlier attracted national attention after it embarked on a journey of about 300 km across Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal soon after being transported. She left Similipal on December 7, 2024, and moved through several forest passes before being captured in West Bengal after a 21-day tracking operation.
After being reintroduced into the wild in April this year, Zeenat was seen roaming with resident male tiger T-12, raising hopes among conservationists.
Chief Minister Mohan Sharan Majhi also hailed this development and termed it a milestone in the wildlife conservation journey in the state.
Magee said the successful birth of the cubs reflects the favorable environment created in Similipal.
“This success not only indicates an increase in the tiger population in Odisha, but is also a testimony to our efforts in creating a safe and robust environment for wildlife,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that the Forest Department has taken special measures to ensure the safety of the tigress and her cubs, while constantly monitoring their movements.
“With the dedicated efforts of our forest personnel and effective conservation policies, Odisha has established itself as a safe haven for wildlife. Our government remains committed to maintaining the ecological balance of Similipal and further promoting conservation initiatives,” Majhi added.
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