Tiger 'Mangala' Relocated to Thrissur Zoological Park

The Forest department has relocated a female tiger named 'Mangala' to the Thrissur Zoological Park in Puthoor after nearly six years of specialized care. Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G. Krishnan confirmed that the tiger was captured and transported to the park on Thursday night.

The tiger had been found abandoned as a cub by her mother deep inside the forest near the Mangaladevi Temple in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) on November 23, 2020.

According to officials, the tiger was moved in a specialized cage to ensure her safety, and a committee of four veterinarians was formed to inspect her health and determine if rewilding was feasible.

The committee eventually observed that Mangala’s condition—bilateral cataracts with lens luxation—showed no clinical improvement despite ongoing treatment, and officials decided against her release, opting instead to transfer her to the Thrissur zoo to ensure she receives lifelong care.

The Thrissur Zoological Park will now provide Mangala with the necessary care, and Roy Abraham, a forest protection watcher who has developed a deep personal bond with the big cat, has been sent to the park to continue caring for her. The Forest department will continue to monitor Mangala's condition and ensure her well-being at the Thrissur Zoological Park.