Bhubaneswar, June 27: A 18-year-old tigress Sara died in Nandankanan Zoological Park on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar city on Thursday, informed officials.

The statement read, ''It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sara, a cherished wild tigress and an integral part of the Nandankanan family''.

Sara's journey began when she was rescued from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, on October 18, 2006, at just five months old, and reared at Van Vihar Zoological Park, Bhopal. She joined Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar, on April 18, 2006, under an animal exchange program.

Sara became a vital participant in our conservation breeding program, infusing new bloodlines by giving birth to Asha, Ankita, and Subhashree on January 13, 2012, sired by the tiger Rishi. Asha was later transferred to Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad, under another animal exchange program.

On February 29, 2024, Sara was observed to be dull, unable to stand, and had labored breathing. After treatment with antibiotics and supportive therapy, she stood and accepted meat on March 3, 2024. She was confined to the feeding and small paddock area.

On March 21, 2024, she developed decubital ulcers on both hip joints and was continuously treated. Despite accepting food, she gradually became emaciated.

On June 26, 2024, Sara was seen in lateral recumbency with feeble respiration.

Despite all our efforts, she breathed her last on June 27, 2024, at 4:42 AM, at the ripe old age of eighteen years and one month.

As we mourn the loss of Sara, we also reflect on her vital contribution to the ex-situ conservation of tigers in India.

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