Tigress Mangala shifted to Thrissur zoo

Idukki: Mangala, the tigress raised at Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), has been shifted to Thrissur Zoological Park, Puthur, for long-term care and rehabilitation. The tigress was transported in a specially designed enclosure on Thursday night. Roy Abraham, who has been caring for Mangala for the past six years, has also been assigned to help the animal adapt to its new surroundings at Puthur. Forest officials said his salary during the service period at Puthur will be paid by the Periyar East Division, while accommodation will be arranged by the zoological park authorities. Mangala was rescued as a cub on Nov 21, 2020, from near the historic Mangala Devi Temple inside PTR. The two-month-old tigress cub had lost nearly 90% of her vision due to cataract when forest watchers found her abandoned. The cub was later named Mangala after the temple. Though expert treatment and imported medicines were provided, the tigress failed to regain sufficient eyesight required for survival in the wild. Officials said Mangala was also unable to develop natural hunting instincts, leading to the decision to shift her to the zoological park. Following directions from National Tiger Conservation Authority, Mangala had been housed in a specially prepared enclosure near the Kokkara forest office. A spacious habitat with fenced protection had been created for the animal. However, even after turning five years old, the tigress remained dependent on forest department care as it could not hunt on its own. Authorities at PTR had submitted a request nearly a year ago seeking permission to shift the tigress to Puthur. On March 7, chief wildlife warden Dr Pramod G Krishnan issued the order permitting the transfer for specialized care. Though a minor health concern arose on Thursday morning after the tigress showed signs of stomach discomfort, officials monitored the animal for six hours after feeding and confirmed that she was fit for travel before moving it into the transport enclosure.