Bhubaneswar, Aug 24: Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar has reported the death of a white male tiger cub on August 23 (Saturday), despite weeks of intensive care and veterinary intervention.

Born on June 7 to white tigress Mousumi and normal-coloured tiger Rajesh, the cub was one of two in the litter and had shown signs of severe weakness and deformities from birth.

Weighing only 650 grams, the cub suffered from forelimb abnormalities resembling “swimmer puppy syndrome,” a condition that impairs mobility.

By June 11, the cub was unable to suckle and was shifted to the zoo’s Centre for Rearing Animal Babies. There, it was diagnosed with a navel infection, low body temperature, and general weakness.

Veterinarians provided round-the-clock care, including incubator support, oxygen therapy, infrared treatment, and a reconstituted milk formula. Daily physiotherapy and bandage support were administered to improve limb function. However, the cub remained in a recumbent position and developed further complications, including blood in stools, ear infections, and pressure wounds.

Despite the zoo’s best efforts, the cub succumbed to its conditions on the morning of August 23. The surviving female cub from the same litter also suffers from a congenital issue — arthritis and ankylosis in the right hind limb — making movement difficult. She continues to receive specialized care.

With this loss, Nandankanan’s tiger population now stands at 28, comprising 19 normal-coloured tigers (11 males, 8 females), 5 white tigers (3 males, 2 females), and 4 black tigers (3 males, 1 female). The incident underscores the challenges of congenital health issues in captive breeding programs, especially among rare colour variants like white tigers.

Zoo officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss and reaffirmed their commitment to wildlife care and conservation.