Bengaluru: Three tiger cubs die at Bannerghatta Park amid concerns over animal care

Tragedy struck Bannerghatta Biological Park as three tiger cubs, born on July 7 to a seven-year-old tigress named Hima, died within three days of their birth. The cubs, two males and one female, were reportedly abandoned by their mother shortly after delivery.

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According to park authorities, Hima displayed no maternal behaviour post-delivery, refusing to nurse or care for the newborns. Although veterinary staff attempted to save the cubs through intensive care and hand-rearing, all three succumbed to their injuries. A post-mortem revealed that one male cub died from a cervical injury on July 8, while the second male succumbed to head injuries attributed to a bite. The female cub died the same day due to trauma from stampede-like injuries.

The incident comes close on the heels of another controversy involving the death of a pregnant zebra, allegedly due to staff negligence. Wildlife activists have linked the recent tiger cub deaths to a similar lack of professional handling, suggesting that quicker intervention might have changed the outcome.

The Forest Department, while denying allegations of negligence, stated that maternal rejection is not unusual in captivity. Officials emphasized that the situation was closely monitored and all possible veterinary measures were undertaken.

Despite assurances, the deaths have reignited scrutiny over animal management practices at the park, prompting calls for improved training and response mechanisms.