Archive · 7 Jun 2025
Zeenat Tigress Shows Favorable Conditions for Wild Release
Zeenat the tiger is doing well in her enclosure.
Scientists are watching her to see if she's ready to live in the wild again.
She hunts for her food like a normal tiger and doesn't seem to like people.
Scientists from WII think she is ready to go back into the forest and have her roam free.
She was moved to Similipal from another place last year.
After she was captured after wandering, the people in charge did not agree on if she should be sent back.
Tigress Zeenat, aged three and a half years, shows no signs of human imprint after five months in an enclosure.
Wildlife Institute of India (WII) scientist Bivash Pandav believes Zeenat is fit to be released into the wild.
Zeenat hunts prey in a natural environment in the larger enclosure within Similipal Tiger Reserve.
Zeenat was brought to Similipal from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in November last year.
Zeenat's release was delayed after she was captured in a joint operation.
- Who
- Tigress Zeenat, Wildlife Institute of India scientist Bivash Pandav
- What
- Favourable conditions for Zeenat's release into the wild are observed.
- When
- November last year Zeenat was brought to Similipal.
- Where
- Similipal Tiger Reserve
- Why
- Zeenat is being assessed for release back into the wild.
Bengal and Odisha forest personnel
Wildlife Institute of India
Tigress Zeenat's Captivity
Bengal and Odisha forest personnel
Bengal forest personnel initially delayed Zeenat's release.
Wildlife Institute of India
Zeenat's capture and relocation for release were delayed. Wildlife Institute of India and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) were in favor of her immediate release.
- Zeenat's Age
- Three and a half years
- Location
- Similipal Tiger Reserve
- Time in Enclosure
- Five months
- Original Location
- Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
- Arrival Date
- November last year
- Involved Parties
- Bengal and Odisha forest personnel