Overview
- Bijalee died at about 9:45 pm on Wednesday after staff noted a gradual drop in her food intake over the previous month, park authorities said.
- Veterinary officers provided ongoing medical and supportive care under technical guidance from the Technical Veterinary Advisory Team of Western Maharashtra.
- The tigress was brought to SGNP from Pench Tiger Reserve on July 11, 2016 after a rescue and remained in captive care because she could not be released to the wild.
- SGNP has invited visitors and wildlife enthusiasts to share photographs and memories of Bijalee on social media as a public tribute.
- Park officials say Bijalee’s death highlights aging and health challenges for long-term captive animals at SGNP and could affect the park’s big-cat safari draw while the post-mortem is completed.