Aged Royal Bengal Tiger Relocated to Guwahati Zoo for Long-Term Care

A Royal Bengal tiger, captured due to livestock attacks near Kaziranga National Park, has been relocated to the Assam State Zoo for long-term care. After sustaining injuries and showing signs of aging, the tiger was treated at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation before its transfer. Experts indicate that its declining health led to its predation on livestock, prompting the move to ensure its well-being. The tiger will now receive ongoing veterinary care and monitoring at the zoo, adhering to national conservation guidelines.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 30, 2026, 17:08 IST

Royal Bengal Tiger's Journey to Guwahati Zoo

Captured ageing Royal Bengal Tiger shifted to Guwahati zoo (Photo: AT)

Kaziranga, June 30: An elderly Royal Bengal tiger, which was receiving treatment at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga, has been transferred to the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden in Guwahati for ongoing care and management.

This tiger had raised alarms among residents in the Agaratoli range of Kaziranga National Park due to multiple incidents of livestock attacks before it was captured by forest officials.

"The tiger was caught on June 8, and after a comprehensive evaluation, we discovered it had multiple injuries and was in a frail state. Hence, we transported it to our rehabilitation facility for medical attention. It is now ready for transfer to the zoo," stated Arun Vignesh, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division.

Forest officials noted that the tiger had been involved in the deaths of several cattle in nearby villages, with reports suggesting it had killed up to eight cattle in a single day on certain occasions.

The frequency of these attacks had created anxiety among local communities, leading the Forest Department to monitor the animal closely before capturing it.

After its capture, the tiger was taken to the CWRC at Borjuri in Kaziranga, where veterinarians treated its leg, claw, and tooth injuries.

Vignesh explained that the tiger's old age and declining health were key factors in its intrusion into human-populated areas.

"The tiger increasingly targeted livestock as it could no longer hunt wild prey effectively," he added.

Veterinary specialists indicated that age-related decline had severely affected the animal's survival skills in the wild.

"This was a rescued animal with injuries, and examinations confirmed its advanced age. It has also lost its canine teeth. At the zoo, it will receive continued treatment, proper nutrition, and long-term care," a veterinarian involved in its care mentioned.

Officials confirmed that the transfer adhered to the protocols set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

"Following NTCA guidelines, the Royal Bengal tiger is being moved to the Assam State Zoo for essential care and welfare," Vignesh stated.

The tiger will now be under the watchful eye of veterinary professionals at the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden, where its health will be continuously assessed, and it will receive long-term care.