Tigress 'Zeenat' ventures into Jharkhand after release in Odisha's Similipal

Tigress 'Zeenat,' a three-year-old big cat released into the wild at Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj district, has crossed over into Jharkhand, a senior forest officer confirmed on Monday.

The tigress, which was brought from Maharashtra, was released into the wild in Similipal on November 24.

The Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF)-cum-field director of Similipal Tiger Reserve, Prakash Chand Gogineni, said that the tigress was in good health and has entered a forest in Jharkhand which is linked with STR in the north.

"Zeenat is now roaming in Jharkhand after leaving the Similipal area. She crossed into a forest in Jharkhand on Sunday, and her movements are being closely monitored," Gogineni stated, adding that Jharkhand forest officials are also tracking her activity.

Also Read: Tigress Zeenat Released in Similipal Core Area to Boost Odisha's Tiger Conservation

Zeenat was translocated from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra on November 15 and was kept in an enclosure before her release. A special team is tracking her movements through a radio collar fitted around her neck.

Regarding another tigress, 'Jamuna,' who was brought from Maharashtra on October 27, Gogineni said, "Tigress Jamuna has been roaming in the STR area for about a month and is in good health."

According to the All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE) 2023-24 report, Similipal had around 27 tigers and 12 cubs.

With PTI Inputs