Nandankanan Zoological Park Mourns the Loss of Beloved Tigress Sara

Bhubaneswar: Sara, a 19-year-old tigress died after age-related illness in Nandankanan Zoological Park.

Sara’s remarkable journey began when she was rescued from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, on October 18, 2006, at just five months old. She was initially reared at Van Vihar Zoological Park, Bhopal, before joining Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar, on April 18, 2009, as part of an animal exchange program.

Sara gave birth to Asha, Ankita, and Subhashree on January 13, 2012, sired by the tiger Rishi. Asha was later transferred to Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad, under another animal exchange program, further expanding the genetic diversity crucial for tiger conservation efforts.

Sara’s health began to decline on February 29, 2024, when she was observed to be dull, unable to stand, and had labored breathing. Despite receiving antibiotics and supportive therapy, she gradually became emaciated, and her condition deteriorated. On March 21, 2024, she developed decubital ulcers on both hip joints and was continuously treated. Despite accepting food, her health did not improve significantly.