After the National Zoological Park in Delhi created a new record for the largest litter of cubs by a tiger in the last two decades, the six cubs born to the Royal Bengal Tiger Aditi on August 4 this month, only two of them could survive three weeks. Two cubs died on Friday morning, while the other two died within a week of their birth, and the weakest one succumbed on August 8. Some cubs could not be fed properly, despite being shifted to the zoo hospital.
This is also the first time in recent years that all the newborn tiger cubs were separated from their mother in the Delhi Zoo and shifted to the hospital for intensive care. On the matter, the zoo director, Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, confirmed the deaths and said, “All possible treatment and precautions are being taken at the zoo hospital to save the cubs.”
Zoo Veterinary Cautions
Zoo veterinarian Dr. Abhijit Bhawal said that three cubs were admitted to the hospital on Wednesday morning after showing signs of illness. The symptoms included dullness, loss of appetite, high temperature, and moist nostrils.
“Of the three tiger cubs admitted yesterday, sadly two of them succumbed early this morning. Samples have been sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute for detailed investigation. However, preliminary findings suggest a viral or hemoprotozoan infection. Confirmation will be received in a few days. The remaining cub is still undergoing treatment.”
“There have been cases where they survived. In Nahargarh, Jaipur Zoo, five tiger cubs survived. At NZP in 2022, 2023, and 2024, all tiger cubs born were taken care of by their mother and survived. However, this year we succeeded in getting four tiger cubs, but only two survived. Again, we got six tiger cubs, of which only two are left, and they are also being hand-reared,” Bhawal further added.
The zoo officials said that the cubs born to Aditi were shifted to the hospital because they were not feeding on their mother’s milk and showed signs of infection. These cubs were kept in a separate room and were under continuous care by the veterinary team. One of the cubs is in stable condition, and the other has shown neither signs of improvement nor deterioration. Dr. Bhavya added that all efforts are being made for their survival. The healthy cub is sucking milk and her weight is also increasing, according to the doctor.