Three newborn cubs of a Royal Bengal Tiger died in tragic circumstances at the Bengal Safari Park in Siliguri on Saturday evening.
The cubs, born just two days earlier, were discovered by park guards during a routine patrol. Two of the cubs were found dead on the spot, while the third, severely injured, was later rescued but succumbed to its wounds.
Preliminary findings by park authorities suggest that the deaths occurred when the mother, a tigress named Rika, was attempting to move her cubs from one place to another.
The tigress had given birth to the cubs on Thursday.
“It seems the mother accidentally bit them while trying to move them by grabbing them in her mouth,” said a zoo official, describing the incident as a tragic accident.
The official further explained that Rika had been trying to carry her cubs to the night shelter inside the enclosure when the mishap occurred.
“The mother accidentally bit the necks of the cubs while trying to lift them,” the officer added.
Medical examinations revealed that the mother’s teeth had punctured the cubs’ windpipes.
“The skin of newborn cubs is very thin and fragile. Two of the cubs died on the spot, while the third one was critically injured. Despite our best efforts, the third cub died at night. Rika is now mourning for her act,” said another zoo official.
The authorities expressed their regret and stressed the need for more careful handling of such delicate situations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Bengal Safari Park, spread across 297 acres near Siliguri, is a popular tourist attraction.
The safari park, inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in 2017, is home to various animals, including tigers, rhinos, deer, Asiatic black bears, and elephants.
During her visit to north Bengal last month, Banerjee had named the tigress Rika.
Zoo director Vijay Kumar confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the deaths. “The behaviour of Rika is being closely watched,” he said.
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