A three-year-old normal-coloured tigress, Jayashree, gave birth to three cubs at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, but only one cub has survived. The birth marks Jayashree’s first litter and follows a gestation period of 101 days, zoo authorities said.

Jayashree had mated with the normal-coloured tiger Amit, with mating recorded between September 15, 2025 and September 17, 2025. Zoo officials said that as this was her first delivery, the tigress appeared to lack adequate maternal instinct, which affected her ability to care for the cubs.

Sequence Of Births And Losses

The first cub was delivered at 11:55 am. As the tigress did not attend to the newborn, zoo staff immediately shifted the cub to the Neonatal Care Unit, where it was placed under close observation by veterinary doctors.

The second cub was born at around 3:34 pm and was reported to be extremely weak at birth. During handling, the tigress accidentally rolled over the cub, causing severe injuries. Although it was separated without delay, the cub succumbed to the injuries and died on the spot.

The third cub was delivered at 4:55 pm. Soon after birth, the tigress consumed the cub, officials confirmed.

Surviving Cub Under Intensive Care

Of the three cubs born, only the first has survived. The cub is currently under continuous veterinary care and monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit of the Zoo Hospital to ensure its health and well-being.

Tiger Strength At Nandankanan

With the birth of this cub, the total tiger population at Nandankanan Zoological Park stands at 29. This includes 18 males, 11 females and no cubs currently counted in the enclosure strength, as per zoo records.

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Zoo authorities said the condition of the surviving cub is being closely monitored, with all necessary medical support being provided.