Bengaluru: Three tiger cubs born to tigress Hima Das at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) died due to injuries sustained shortly after birth, confirmed Executive Director and IFS officer Surya Sen on Monday.
In a statement issued in response to media enquiries, Surya Sen said the tigress delivered three cubs on July 7 but failed to nurture them, a phenomenon occasionally seen in captive big cats due to lack of maternal instincts. “Unfortunately, all three cubs sustained injuries soon after birth and were shifted to the hospital for intensive care and hand-rearing,” he stated.
Despite best efforts by the veterinary team, one male cub died on July 8, while another male and a female cub died on July 9, he said.
A post-mortem examination revealed the causes of death: one male cub suffered a cervical injury due to stampede, the second male cub died from a bite to the head by the mother, causing brain damage and meningeal hematoma, and the female cub also had stampede-related injuries, he detailed.
“It is natural for a mother to care for her cubs, but in captivity, abandonment is not uncommon,” said Surya Sen. “Our animal keepers and doctors monitored the situation closely via CCTV and provided timely medical attention.”
Calling out misinformation, he added, “It is disheartening that some media friends are spreading unverified information. We urge everyone to refer only to official updates.”
The BBP reiterated its commitment to wildlife care and conservation, and assured that all protocols were followed in the treatment of the tigress and her cubs.
