Jaipur, Rajasthan: In an exciting development at Nahargarh Biological Park, Jaipur, happiness has arrived once again with the birth of five cubs to seven-year-old tigress Rani. The historic birth, which took place on Sunday, marks the first time in Rajasthan that a tigress has given birth to five cubs simultaneously. This rare event also includes the remarkable fact that Rani, for the second time in a row, has given birth to a white tiger cub.
Typically, tigresses give birth to two to four cubs, but Rani’s extraordinary achievement of delivering five cubs is a significant moment for the park. With this birth, the number of white tigers in Nahargarh Biological Park has now increased to two. Last year, Rani had previously given birth to four cubs on May 10, 2024, 10 months and 18 days ago. While two of the cubs, a male white tiger named Bhim and a female named Skandhi, tragically passed away, the remaining cubs, including one white tiger and four golden Bengal tiger cubs, are thriving. All of the cubs are reported to be in good health and are under round-the-clock monitoring using CCTV cameras to ensure their well-being.
Rani has now set a new record in the state by becoming a mother for the second time in just 11 months. Forest officials revealed that this record-breaking birth is a testament to the health and well-being of both the mother and her cubs. Bhim and Skandhi, the surviving cubs from last year’s litter, are still safe and healthy, and they are currently attracting significant attention from visitors in the park’s display area.
Dr Arvind Mathur, the senior wildlife doctor overseeing Rani’s care, explained that Rani was brought to Nahargarh Biological Park from Nandan Kanan Zoo in Odisha in 2021 under an exchange program. She was paired with a tiger named Shivaji from Gwalior. Once Rani’s pregnancy was confirmed, she was separated from Shivaji and placed under special medical supervision and diet to ensure a healthy pregnancy. The special care has clearly paid off, with Rani now delivering healthy cubs.
Rani and her cubs have been kept in a separate, stress-free environment to ensure their safety and comfort. The diet provided to them is rich in calcium, minerals, and vitamins to support the cubs’ development.
In other exciting news from the park, Tara, the lioness living in the Lion Safari area, is also expecting and may give birth to a cub as early as next month. Tara, who was previously paired with lion Shakti, gave birth to a cub on October 14 last year. The cub was initially kept in the NICU for special care due to weakness but is now completely healthy and will soon be introduced to the display area.
District Forest Officer (DFO) Vijaypal Singh emphasized that Nahargarh Biological Park is quickly becoming a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. The birth of these cubs not only enhances the park’s beauty but also serves as a positive step forward in wildlife conservation. With the addition of these new cubs, the park is expecting a surge in tourism, as visitors flock to witness the birth of these adorable new additions.
As wildlife conservation efforts continue to flourish, Nahargarh Biological Park has become a beacon of hope for the preservation of endangered species and a popular destination for nature lovers and tourists alike.
