Captured tiger in good health after relocation to Vizag animal rescue centre

Visakhapatnam: The captured wild tiger that created tension around Rajahmundry city for the past 17 days was shifted to the Animal Rescue Center (ARC) attached to the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in the port city on Saturday. The Zoo Park medical team, led by Dr Bhanu Prasad, examined the big cat's health as it was placed under quarantine.The tiger was captured by expert teams with the help of forest staff on Friday and was transported to Vizag in safe conditions. Zoo authorities, including curator G Mangamma, had kept the enclosure at the ARC in Yendada ready for its arrival. Dr Bhanu Prasad told STOI that the tiger is in good health and is currently under observation.
The ARC once housed several wild animals rescued from circuses and other unsafe environments. Operational since 2001, it has specialised in rehabilitating tigers, lions, sloth bears, turtles and crocodiles. The facility became empty a month ago after the death of Bigo, a 24-year-old Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.The ARC provides specialized veterinary care, temperature control and nourishment to distressed wildlife. It plays a crucial role in treating injured animals and offering long-term refuge.Chief conservator of forests (CCF) B M Diwan Mydeen told STOI that the tiger remains under the watch of the medical team and is in stable condition. A committee will decide on releasing it into a reserve forest area.In such cases, a committee consisting of the Wildlife Organisation, the Wildlife Institute of India and NGOs determines the release site. According to sources, the tiger is likely to be released in the Nagarjuna Sagar Tiger Reserve.