After nearly six years of specialised care, the Forest department has relocated a female tiger named “Mangala” to the Thrissur Zoological Park in Puthoor. Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G. Krishnan confirmed that the tiger was captured and transported to the park on Thursday night. According to officials, the tiger was moved in a specialised cage to ensure her safety.

The tiger had been found abandoned as a cub by her mother deep inside the forest near the Mangaladevi Temple in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) on November 23, 2020.

The cub was initially moved to an anti-poaching camp at Karadikkavala for treatment. In July 2021, the Forest department established an Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Unit (AHPCU) spanning 2.78 hectares at Onnampalam, near Thekkady, specifically to rehabilitate and rewild the tiger.

During the rehabilitation process, veterinary officials diagnosed Mangala with persistent bilateral cataracts and sought expert ophthalmological advice. A committee of four veterinarians was formed to inspect her health and determine if rewilding was feasible.

The committee eventually observed that Mangala’s condition—bilateral cataracts with lens luxation—showed no clinical improvement despite ongoing treatment. While surgery was considered, the panel concluded that the required anesthesia and post-operative care would be nearly impossible to manage for a semi-wild feline.

Given that the big cat is unable to hunt or survive in the wild, officials decided against her release. In March, the Chief Wildlife Warden ordered her transfer to the Thrissur zoo to ensure she receives lifelong care.

According to officials, this marks the first time in south India that a Forest department has raised a tiger with such specialised care within a tiger reserve.

An official said that Roy Abraham, a forest protection watcher, has also been sent to the Thrissur Zoological Park to continue caring for the big cat. For the past six years, Mr. Abraham has looked after the animal, developing a deep personal bond with her. Based on his desire to continue caring for Mangala, the Forest department approved his request to accompany her to Thrissur to ensure her well-being.