Tigress Zeenat’s remarkable journey of 300 kilometers over 21 days came to an end when forest officials successfully tranquilized her after a lengthy pursuit across three states. This incredible adventure began on December 8, when Zeenat strayed from the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha and ventured into neighboring Jharkhand and West Bengal.
During her time on the move, Zeenat traversed various terrains, prompting forest personnel to employ multiple strategies to prevent her from entering populated areas. Despite their best efforts, the tigress managed to evade capture for several days, leading to heightened concerns about her safety and the potential for human-wildlife conflict.
On Sunday afternoon, after several attempts, officials finally succeeded in tranquilizing Zeenat near Gosaindihi village in Bankura district, West Bengal. Following her sedation, she was transported by vehicle for another 200 kilometers to Alipore Zoo in Kolkata. This transfer was necessary for a thorough health check before determining her future.
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee commended the forest department for their dedication and teamwork throughout this challenging operation. She expressed gratitude to the local administration, police, and community members who supported the efforts to safely capture the tigress.
Once Zeenat’s health assessment is completed at the zoo, she is expected to be returned to her original habitat in Similipal. Odisha’s chief wildlife warden, Prem Kumar Jha, confirmed that the goal is to ensure her safe relocation back to the tiger reserve.
This incident underscores the importance of wildlife conservation and the ongoing challenges faced by officials in managing big cats that wander into human-populated areas. The successful capture of Zeenat not only highlights the dedication of wildlife authorities but also emphasizes the need for continued efforts to protect both wildlife and local communities.
