Mayurbhanj: Tigress Zeenat has finally returned to the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district late last night, following a month-long odyssey that saw her traverse multiple states and become the center of a conservation controversy.
Zeenat, a three-year-old tigress, originally strayed from the Similipal forest into West Bengal, where she was tranquilized in the Bankura district. Instead of being returned immediately to her native habitat, Zeenat was shifted to the Alipore Zoo in Kolkata, a move that sparked significant backlash from wildlife enthusiasts and officials in Odisha.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) issued a show cause notice to the Chief Wildlife Warden of West Bengal, demanding an explanation for the decision to relocate Zeenat to the zoo. The NTCA emphasized that the tigress should have been promptly returned to the Similipal Tiger Reserve to ensure her well-being and maintain the integrity of wildlife conservation efforts.
After several days of deliberation and mounting pressure, the West Bengal forest department complied with the NTCA’s directive. Zeenat was transported back to Similipal under strict supervision and is now being closely monitored by forest officials to ensure her safe reintegration into the reserve.
