Bhubaneswar, Nov 25: The Forest Department has successfully released a tigress named ‘Zeenat’ from Maharashtra into the core forest area of Similipal Tiger Reserve, as part of an interstate translocation program aimed at boosting the genetic diversity of the reserve's tiger population.

According to Susant Nanda, PCCF (WL) & CWLW, the tigress was relocated to the North Division Core Area of Similipal at 9:30 pm on Sunday, where she was released into the reserve forest. Nanda confirmed that the Forest Department will monitor her movements for the next 24 hours to ensure her smooth transition into the wild.

Zeenat was tranquilized in Maharashtra’s Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) on November 13 before being transported to Similipal via Raipur, Sambalpur, and Yashipur. A special team from Similipal completed all the necessary legal procedures for her relocation.

Currently, Similipal Tiger Reserve houses 28 tigers, including 15 pseudo-melanistic tigers, and the addition of Zeenat is expected to strengthen the reserve’s tiger population.

Powered by Froala Editor