First Birth of Tiger Cubs at Tripura's Sipahijala Zoo

Historic Birth of Tiger Cubs

For the first time, three tiger cubs have been born at the Sipahijala Zoo in Tripura. Established in 1972, this is the only zoo in the state.

According to the zoo's director, Vishwajit Das, this marks a significant milestone as it is the first instance of tiger cubs being born here. With their arrival, the total number of tigers in the zoo has now increased to five.

Das explained that a pair of tigers was brought to the Sipahijala Zoo from West Bengal in February of last year as part of an animal exchange program. The tigress gave birth to the three cubs on May 11.

He added that the mother and her cubs are currently housed in a secure enclosure, where they are healthy, while the male tiger has been temporarily relocated for safety reasons.

To monitor the new family, 11 CCTV cameras have been installed around the enclosure, ensuring 24/7 surveillance of the first-time mother and her cubs.

Visitors are not allowed into the enclosure to prevent any disturbances to the mother and her young. Das mentioned, "We are providing the tigress with a balanced diet, including fresh meat and soup two to three times a day to ensure the cubs receive adequate milk."

In 2014, another tigress had given birth to a stillborn cub. Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma remarked that the birth of these cubs is a positive sign for tiger conservation efforts at the zoo.

He stated, "We are working towards making Sipahijala Zoo world-class. If the Central Zoo Authority assists in training our staff and provides support, we can accelerate its development." The zoo welcomed approximately 170,000 visitors in 2024-25.