In a momentous event for wildlife enthusiasts, the historic Sayajibaug Zoo in Vadodara has unveiled a magnificent pair of white tigers to the public. This special display was timed to celebrate the 147th anniversary of the iconic Sayajibaug garden, originally established by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III.
A Long-Awaited Homecoming
For the first time in nearly four decades, visitors to the Vadodara zoo can now witness the rare beauty of white tigers. The arrival of these majestic cats ends a long wait for the zoo administration, which had been attempting to acquire a pair for a considerable time. The tigers made their public debut on Thursday, following their transfer to the city last month.
The Exchange That Made It Possible
The tiger pair was successfully brought to Vadodara from the Pradhyuman Zoological Park in Rajkot under a formal animal exchange program. As part of this agreement, the Sayajibaug Zoo sent five pairs of different exotic bird varieties to Rajkot. The entire exchange process received the necessary clearance from the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) in November, paving the way for the tigers' relocation.
Settling Into Their New Home
Following standard zoo protocols, the newly arrived white tigers underwent a mandatory quarantine period upon reaching Vadodara. Since the pair was already acclimated to living together in their previous enclosure in Rajkot, zoo officials faced no difficulties in introducing them to a shared habitat at Sayajibaug after their quarantine was completed. This smooth transition has allowed the animals to settle comfortably into their new environment, ready to enchant visitors.
The return of the white tigers marks a significant enhancement to the zoo's collection and offers a fresh attraction for families and wildlife lovers, reconnecting the city with a species not seen locally for generations.
