Tigress Mangala to Be Transferred to Zoo for Medical Care After Rewilding Fails
In a significant development for wildlife conservation, Mangala, a five-year-old tigress rescued as a cub in November 2020, is set to be moved from the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) to the Thrissur Zoological Park in Kerala. This decision comes after extensive efforts to rewild her proved unsuccessful due to a severe eye condition.
Rescue and Initial Care
Mangala was found abandoned near the Mangaladevi temple on the Tamil Nadu border when she was just two months old. Forest officials from PTR took her in, providing care with the hope of eventually reintroducing her to the wild. She has been living in an enclosure at the reserve since her rescue.
Health Challenges and Rewilding Attempts
Despite the best efforts of forest staff, Mangala did not adapt to wild conditions. She suffers from bilateral cataract lens luxation, which severely impairs her vision. This condition likely contributed to her abandonment by her mother and hindered her ability to hunt, even when easy prey like rabbits were introduced into her enclosure.
A forest official from PTR explained, "Though we tried to rewild her, there was no improvement. Her vision issues prevent natural hunting behaviors, making survival in the wild nearly impossible."
Medical Evaluation and Decision
A technical committee of four veterinarians was formed to assess Mangala's condition. They concluded that while eye surgery is necessary, it is not feasible in a wild or semi-wild setting due to challenges with anaesthesia and post-operative care. The order from the chief wildlife warden states, "Rewilding is also a challenging option after surgery."
Additionally, the committee noted that since Mangala was raised under human care, rewilding could lead to human-tiger conflicts. Therefore, they recommended permanent captivity for her safety and well-being.
Translocation Plan
The order mandates that Mangala be tranquillised and translocated to Thrissur Zoological Park for advanced treatment. This move aims to provide her with the specialized medical attention she requires while ensuring a controlled environment for her long-term care.
This case highlights the complexities of wildlife rehabilitation, especially for animals with chronic health issues, and underscores the importance of tailored conservation strategies.
