On June 7, 2025, a white tigress named Mousumi and her mate, a normal-colored tiger named Rajesh, welcomed two tiger cubs—a white male and a normal-colored female—at Nandankanan zoo.
The birth of these cubs sparked excitement among zoo staff and wildlife enthusiasts alike. However, by June 11, 2025, concerns arose when the white male cub began showing signs of distress, prompting swift action to ensure the survival of both newborns.
Initially, Mousumi displayed proper maternal behaviour, nurturing her cubs with care. But by 1:30 PM on June 11, the white male cub was observed struggling, unable to suckle, and exhibiting signs of weakness. To safeguard their health, zoo authorities made the critical decision to transfer both cubs to the zoo’s Hand Rearing Centre at 7:00 PM that evening for stabilisation and intensive care.
The white male cub, weighing just 650 grams, is currently underweight, debilitated, and battling a subnormal body temperature of 94.8°F, compounded by an unhealed navel. He has been placed in an incubator to maintain optimal body temperature and is receiving infrared therapy, oxygen support, and carefully administered warm milk feeds. Zoo veterinarians are providing round-the-clock monitoring to stabilise his fragile condition, hopeful that their efforts will help him gain strength.
In contrast, the normal-colored female cub, weighing a healthier 810 grams, is thriving. She is active, feeding well through bottle feeding, and remains under close observation to ensure her continued progress. The zoo’s dedicated team is optimistic about her development but remains vigilant to address any potential challenges.
This intervention highlights the zoo’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the delicate balance of nurturing endangered species like tigers. The Hand Rearing Centre’s advanced facilities and expert care provide a lifeline for these cubs, offering them a fighting chance to grow into healthy adults. Updates on their progress will be shared as the zoo continues its efforts to protect these precious additions to the tiger family.
The birth and ongoing care of Mousumi’s cubs serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by captive breeding programs and the tireless work of zoological teams to ensure the survival of vulnerable animals. Wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to follow the cubs’ journey and support conservation efforts to protect tigers in the wild and in captivity.
