In a significant development for wildlife enthusiasts in Punjab, the Ludhiana Zoo is on track to reopen its popular tiger safari in 2026. This revival plan comes after a year of quiet enclosures, aiming to bring back the roar of the big cat to the facility.
A New Chapter for the Big Cat Enclosure
Wildlife authorities have secured a preliminary agreement from the Maharashtra wildlife department to transfer a breeding pair of royal Bengal tigers to the Ludhiana facility. This move is a crucial step in restoring the zoo's flagship attraction, which has been missing a tiger since the demise of its last resident, Aman, in December 2024.
However, the final decision rests with the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). Once the CZA grants its formal approval, a specialist team from Punjab will visit Maharashtra to assess the selected tigers and arrange their transfer. Officials are seeking a young, healthy pair aged between three and four years, considered the ideal age for breeding and central to their conservation goals.
Overcoming a History of Loss
The Ludhiana Tiger Safari, once a major regional draw, was closed to visitors on December 15, 2024, following Aman's death from age-related issues. Aman himself was an emergency replacement brought in early 2024 after the death of another tiger, Nav.
The zoo's big cat history has been marked by challenges in recent years:
- In 2024, tiger Nav died from septicemia.
- In 2023, tiger Chirag succumbed to old age.
- In 2020, tigers Money and Icchran died of natural causes.
- In 2019, tiger Deepak passed away due to age-related decline.
A major crisis also struck in 2013 when two tigresses, Mohini and Elaichi, died from a bacterial infection spread by rodents.
Hope for a Revitalized Future
The anticipated arrival of the new tiger pair is expected to be the cornerstone of a broader revival for the Ludhiana Zoo. The facility currently is home to two leopards, Sneha and Neetu, who were relocated from a Shimla rescue centre last year.
Authorities are optimistic about receiving CZA clearance within the coming weeks. If all proceeds as planned, the tiger safari could welcome visitors again by the first quarter of 2026, restoring a key wildlife experience for the region.
