Tiger and tigress from Nagpur's Gorewada shifted to Pune's Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

Two new animals have arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj, Pune. A tiger and a tigress were brought safely to Pune on Thursday from the Gorewada Wildlife Rescue Centre in Nagpur. The tiger is four and a half years old and the tigress is three and a half.

Both were shifted to the zoo under special arrangements. Their arrival will give visitors another chance to see tigers up close.

According to information available, the two tigers were rescued during incidents of human-wildlife conflict and had been kept at the Gorewada Wildlife Rescue Centre in Nagpur since. The number of tigers at the centre had exceeded its fixed capacity, so the need was felt to send them elsewhere. After approval from the authorities concerned, it was decided to send both to the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune.

The move is meant to keep the number of tigers at the rescue centre under control. It will also make better use of the facilities available for the care of wildlife.

The health of the two tigers was given the highest priority during the transfer to Pune. A team led by veterinary officer Ghanshyam Mohan Pawar completed the necessary medical examination. Their health and safety were looked after while they were moved from one place to the other.

Zoo director Dr Rajkumar Jadhav also shared details. According to him, the process of bringing the two tigers to Pune was completed after approval from the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi.

The zoo administration said the names of the new tiger and tigress have not yet been decided. For now, attention is on arrangements for their care and health. There is no information yet on when they will be opened to visitors.

The transfer of the two tigers shows the importance of coordination between wildlife rescue centres and of caring for rescued animals.