TV
Despite intensified efforts of Odisha forest officials to safely bring back tigress Zeenat, who previously wandered from Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanj into the dense forests of Purulia in neighbouring West Bengal, the chances of her return look grim.
The task of tranquilising Zeenat was carried out three to four times but with difficulty, as a lack of visibility due to thick bushes in the forest resulted in unsuccessful attempts.
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According to sources, Zeenat is being tracked using a satellite radio collar, allowing officials to monitor her movements and ensure her well-being. The satellite data reveals that she is in good health and has been successfully hunting in her new environment.
Three teams comprising Odisha and West Bengal forest officials, with assistance from the Sundarban animal experts, are working collaboratively in this operation.
Though elephants have not yet been brought into play for the tranquilisation process, they may be employed if deemed necessary. When contacted, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF)-Wildlife Prem Kumar Jha stated, “We are employing all possible measures to bring Zeenat back to the Similipal sanctuary as soon as possible.”
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“Zeenat is now in a deep forest located near the elephant reserve. We are trying our best to tranquilise the tigress and bring her back. Three teams of forest personnel (two from West Bengal and one from Odisha) have been pressed into service” the PCCF added.
It is pertinent to mention here that tigress Yamuna recently moved out of Similipal forests and entered the adjacent Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary in the Balasore district.
This occurred close on the heels of Zeenat’s ‘escape’. The tigresses Zeenat and Yamuna, relocated from Maharashtra to Similipal, have ventured out of their new habitat.
