Agartala, May 19:
For the first time since its establishment in 1972, Tripura’s Sepahijala Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary is witnessing the rare joy of welcoming three newborn tiger cubs. The birth, which took place last week, has sparked excitement among wildlife officials and animal lovers across the region.

Zoo Director Biswajit Das confirmed the historic development, noting that this marks the first instance in the zoo’s 53-year history where a tigress has given birth to three cubs at once within the enclosure. “It’s a moment of immense pride and a positive sign for our ongoing conservation efforts,” Das said.

With the arrival of the cubs, the total number of big cats at the sanctuary has now increased to five. These additions trace back to an animal exchange programme in February last year, when a pair of tigers was brought in from West Bengal to strengthen the zoo’s breeding programme.

To ensure the safety and well-being of the tigress and her cubs, strict precautions have been put in place. The male tiger has been temporarily shifted to a separate enclosure, and several CCTV cameras have been installed to closely monitor the new mother’s behavior around the clock. Additionally, public access near the enclosure has been restricted to maintain a calm and undisturbed environment for the felines.

Special care is being given to the tigress, including a carefully balanced diet featuring fresh meat and nutritious soups, aimed at supporting her health and ensuring she can nurse the cubs adequately.

Located about 35 kilometers south of Agartala, the Sepahijala Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary spans 18.53 square kilometers and is one of Tripura’s key tourist attractions. The sanctuary has drawn over 1.70 lakh visitors during the 2024-25 period, reflecting its growing appeal to nature enthusiasts from within the state and beyond.