The Royal Bengal Tiger family at Siliguri’s famous Bengal Safari is all set to welcome a new member. In a significant move by the forest department, a tigress from Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is being translocated to Bengal Safari. This news has created a buzz among wildlife enthusiasts, as the new tigress is being playfully referred to as the “rival” or “co-wife” to the park’s long-standing queen, ‘Sheela’.

Scientific Strategy Behind the Move The primary objective of this animal exchange program is to maintain genetic diversity within the park’s tiger population. Experts suggest that to avoid the risks of inbreeding—which can lead to genetic weaknesses and reduced immunity—it is crucial to introduce new bloodlines into the existing family tree. By bringing in a tigress from the Darjeeling zoo, the authorities aim to ensure a healthier and more robust future generation of tigers in the safari.

New Attractions for Tourists The arrival of the Darjeeling tigress is expected to boost tourism and provide a fresh dynamic to the tiger safari. Currently, Sheela and her mate Viban, along with their offspring, are the main stars of the enclosure. The new tigress will eventually be introduced to Viban to facilitate breeding with a different genetic makeup. Park officials are meticulously preparing for her arrival, ensuring a smooth transition period in a separate enclosure before she is allowed to interact with the existing pride. As the “royal family” expands, visitors can look forward to witnessing new interactions and a growing tiger population in the heart of North Bengal.