Did Tripura CM Celebrate the Arrival of Three Tiger Cubs at Sepahijala Zoo After 53 Years?

Synopsis
Witness a historic moment as the Sepahijala Zoo in Tripura celebrates the arrival of three tiger cubs, the first in its 53-year history. This event highlights the ongoing conservation efforts and the joy it brings to the community. Join us in welcoming these adorable newcomers!
Key Takeaways
- First birth of tiger cubs in 53 years at Sepahijala Zoo.
- Increased population of big cats to five.
- Precautionary measures for mother and cubs include enclosure monitoring.
- Balanced diet provided to the tigress for milk production.
- Focus on conservation efforts and support from the Central Zoo Authority.
Agartala, May 22 (NationPress) Tripura's Chief Minister Manik Saha shared his joy on Thursday regarding the birth of three tiger cubs at the Sepahijala Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary, marking a first in the zoo's 53-year timeline.
The Chief Minister posted on social media, stating: “Wonderful news…The future rulers of the jungle have arrived in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. A tigress has given birth to three charming cubs. Let us warmly welcome these little treasures and wish them a safe, flourishing life in the wild.”
On Thursday, Biswajit Das, the Director of Sepahijala Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary, reported that a tigress in the zoo gave birth to three healthy cubs on May 11, and both the mother and her offspring are thriving within their enclosure.
As a precaution, the male tiger has been relocated to a different enclosure. To ensure constant monitoring of the mother and her cubs, a dozen Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras have been set up around the enclosure.
In a prior conversation with IANS, Das highlighted that this event marks the first occurrence of a tigress giving birth to tiger cubs in the history of Sepahijala Zoo, which was established in 1972.
Following the birth of these three cubs, the population of big cats at Sepahijala Zoo has risen to five. The official mentioned that a pair of tigers was introduced to the zoo from West Bengal through an animal exchange program in February of the previous year.
To avoid disrupting the tigress and her cubs, visitors and wildlife enthusiasts are currently restricted from approaching the enclosure.
The Zoo Director also stated that the tigress is being provided with a balanced diet, including fresh meat, and nutritious soups multiple times daily to ensure she produces ample milk for her cubs.
Animesh Debbarma, the Minister for Forest, Science and Technology, expressed his delight over the birth of the three tiger cubs in Sepahijala Zoo.
“The arrival of these cubs is a promising sign for our tiger conservation initiatives at the zoo,” the Minister told IANS, adding that his department is making consistent efforts to transform Sepahijala Zoo into a world-class conservation center.
“We require the support of the Central Zoo Authority for training our staff and financial assistance from the Central government to further enhance the zoo,” he remarked.
Spanning approximately 18.53 square km and located 35 km south of Agartala, the Sepahijala Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant tourist attraction in the northeastern region.
In 2024-25, over 1.70 lakh visitors from the region and beyond explored the Sepahijala Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary, as per official reports.