Tigress Zeenat gives birth to four cubs in Similipal

The translocation effort geared toward enhancing the genetic range of tigers in Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve has obtained a significant enhance, with tigress Zeenat, introduced from Maharashtra, giving birth to four cubs. Pictures of Zeenat gently carrying her cubs in her mouth inside the reserve have since gone viral.

“At present, a proud chapter has been added to Odisha’s pure assets and wildlife conservation efforts. Tigress Zeenat, relocated from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, has given birth to four cubs in the conducive atmosphere of Similipal,” Chief Minister Mohan Majhi introduced on X on Tuesday (June 2, 2026).

“This success not solely signifies a rise in the tiger inhabitants in the State but in addition stands as a superb testomony to our administrative foresight in defending biodiversity and making a protected and strong habitat for wildlife,” stated Mr. Majhi.

Odisha Chief Minister additional stated, “Particular measures have been taken by the Forest Division to guarantee the security of the mom and cubs, and their actions are being repeatedly monitored. Thanks to the devoted vigil and efficient conservation insurance policies of our forest employees, Odisha has at present established itself as a safe sanctuary for wildlife.”

“Our authorities stays totally dedicated to preserving the ecological steadiness of Similipal intact and strengthening the State’s wildlife conservation initiatives in the times forward,” he asserted.

After her translocation from Maharashtra in 2025, Zeenat had a troubled section final 12 months. Following 10 days of acclimatisation in the core space of Similipal, the tigress, whereas trying to set up her territory, strayed into Jharkhand after which West Bengal in the primary week of December, placing the forest departments of Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal on alert.

The tigress was tranquilised and captured in West Bengal on December 29, 2025. After a medical examination, the tigress was introduced again to Similipal on the instructions of the Nationwide Tiger Conservation Authority. Subsequently, a particular enclosure was created in southern Similipal, whereas forest division officers saved a strict vigil on Zeenat.

A sizeable variety of tigers in Similipal shows pseudo-melanism, characterised by black stripes way more pronounced than the everyday colouration of a Royal Bengal Tiger. It’s largely due to the results of inbreeding. Below NTCA supervision, Zeenat and one other tiger, Jamuna, have been launched into the Similipal to enhance genetic range.

In accordance to the Similipal Tiger Reserve authorities, Zeenat was launched right into a gentle enclosure created for Jamuna in the southern division. The southern half covers a significant portion of Simlipal’s core space and has denser forest cowl and no anthropogenic strain. The tigress would stay below commentary, and in the method, she would proceed acclimatising earlier than being launched into the wild, the authorities stated.

The Odisha authorities had earlier deliberate to convey six pairs of tigers from different States to Similipal. Zeenat giving birth to four cubs assumes important significance for the State Forest division, particularly after an earlier experiment to introduce tigers in Satkosia Tiger Reserve had failed. A tiger introduced from Madhya Pradesh and launched into Satkosia died after falling right into a poacher’s entice, whereas one other was despatched again to Madhya Pradesh after going through hostility from individuals inside Satkosia Reserve Forest.