Tigress 'Rajmata' to be Honored with Statue in Sariska

Jaipur, March 14 (NationPress) A life-sized statue of tigress ST-2, known as 'Rajmata', is set to be installed within the jungles of Sariska, as confirmed by officials. This statue is being meticulously crafted in Jaipur's Sarna Dungri and is made using exquisite white marble sourced from Banswara and red sandstone from Jaisalmer. It will rest on a pedestal measuring 12 feet in width, 5 feet in height, and 4 feet in depth.

The statue of the tigress will be 9 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet high, designed to depict a tiger roaming freely in the wild. Expected to weigh approximately 7 tonnes, the project is estimated to cost around Rs 7 lakh and is anticipated to be completed by the end of March.

Tigress ST-2 from the Sariska Tiger Reserve has played a pivotal role in reviving the tiger population in the park. Nearly two decades ago, rampant poaching led to the extinction of tigers from Sariska.

Due to a successful relocation initiative, tigers were reintroduced, and now, the reserve is thriving with a growing population. In 2008, tigress ST-2 and tiger ST-1 were the first tigers relocated from Ranthambore to repopulate Sariska. Over the years, ST-2 made significant contributions to the reserve's tiger family. She became a mother twice, in 2010 and 2014, giving birth to four cubs. Three of her daughters — tigresses ST-7, ST-8, and ST-14 — along with one son, ST-13, have further expanded her lineage.

Currently, 18 of the 42 tigers present in Sariska are descendants of ST-2. In recognition of her immense contributions, the Sariska administration honored her with the title 'Rajmata (Queen Mother)' around a decade ago.

Sadly, she passed away on January 9, 2024, at the age of 19 due to complications from an infected tail. She had been relocated to the Naya Pani Karnakabas Enclosure, where a specialized team of veterinarians and officials monitored her health until her passing. Upon learning of her condition, the Sariska administration swiftly relocated her for treatment.

A dedicated team of committee members, officers, and veterinarians, appointed by the Chief Forest Conservator and Field Director of the Tiger Project Sariska, kept a close watch on her health. Following her death, Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma visited Sariska to pay his respects. During the final darshan, he honored her memory by touching the tigress's feet as a tribute.

Sariska was declared tiger-free in 2004-05, despite once being home to approximately 40 tigers. The relocation project officially commenced on July 4, 2008, with the introduction of ST-1 and ST-2, marking the beginning of Sariska’s revival. Today, the reserve is home to 42 tigers. Tigress ST-2’s contribution to restoring Sariska’s tiger population is unmatched. Her legacy will be immortalized through this grand statue, serving as a testament to her role in reestablishing the roar of tigers in the reserve.