Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Tigress Tranquilised for Proposed Buxa Tiger Reintroduction Programme
Officials in Bihar have safely tranquilised a tigress for a wildlife project.
They want to move her to Buxa Tiger Reserve in north Bengal.
The tigress may travel by helicopter if the weather is suitable.
She is expected to be taken first to Hasimara Air Force Station and then to Buxa.
Officials plan to release her on October 2.
They have built an enclosure and released deer and other herbivores for food.
Three trained elephants will help monitor the animal.
The larger goal is to create a breeding population of tigers in Buxa.
Safari and other tourism activities will be paused from September 30 to October 3.
Forest officials tranquilised a tigress at Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve after repeated attempts over seven days.
The tigress is proposed to be airlifted to Hasimara Air Force Station and transported to Buxa Tiger Reserve.
Its release in Buxa is scheduled for October 2, around 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., subject to arrangements.
Officials have prepared an enclosure, released herbivores, and brought three trained elephants to support monitoring.
The programme aims to establish a breeding tiger population in Buxa, with one or two more big cats planned later.
- Who
- Forest officials, Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon, and the Buxa Tiger Reserve team are involved; Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is scheduled to release the tigress.
- What
- A tigress is being prepared for transfer and proposed reintroduction into Buxa Tiger Reserve.
- When
- The tigress may arrive Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, with release scheduled for October 2 at about 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
- Where
- The tigress was tranquilised at Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar and is to be taken to Buxa Tiger Reserve in Alipurduar district via Hasimara Air Force Station.
- Why
- The programme aims to restore a breeding tiger population in Buxa and strengthen wildlife tourism.
- Source reserve
- Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar
- Destination
- Buxa Tiger Reserve, Alipurduar district, north Bengal
- Planned release
- October 2, around 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
- Transport plan
- Special helicopter to Hasimara Air Force Station, followed by transport to Buxa
- Preparation
- An enclosure was established and herbivores, including deer, were released
- Monitoring support
- Three trained elephants were brought in
- Tourism suspension
- Jungle safari and other tourism activities will remain suspended from September 30 to October 3