In Tripura, three Royal Bengal tiger cubs were born at Sepahijala Zoological Park earlier this month. Marking a milestone in the state’s conservation efforts. This is the first recorded instance of tiger cubs being born at the zoo. And the event is already generating excitement among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists across India.
Officials confirmed that the mother tigress, Shanthi, and her cubs are healthy and under close medical observation. The Forest Department of Tripura stated that the cubs are currently being nursed in a specialized enclosure to ensure their safety and comfort during the critical early weeks.
The successful birth was made possible due to the zoo’s improved veterinary infrastructure and adherence to modern zoological standards. The Central Zoo Authority of India had earlier supported Sepahijala Zoo’s modernization under a conservation program aimed at strengthening animal care.
Ensuring Safety and Health of Tiger Cubs
Dr. Anirban Dey, one of the veterinarians at the zoo, said, “Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure high standards of animal health and welfare. This birth is a result of years of preparation, planning, and dedication.”
The zoo, located around 25 km from Agartala, is one of the largest in Northeast India. It already houses a variety of endangered species. Further, this latest event has put Sepahijala on the map for big cat conservation. More on Sepahijala Zoo from Tripura Tourism’s official website.
To engage the public, the Forest Department has launched a naming contest in association with local schools, aiming to raise awareness about endangered species and foster a sense of ownership among students. This interactive initiative is expected to draw hundreds of entries and increase footfall to the zoo once the cubs are ready for public viewing.
Meanwhile, the state government has hinted at developing the zoo further as an educational and eco-tourism destination. “We’re planning to integrate this event into our broader tourism strategy,” said Tripura Tourism Secretary R.P. Roy. “This includes improved visitor amenities and curated educational tours.” You can read more about Tripura’s eco-tourism strategy on Tripura’s Eco-Tourism Policy page.
Apart from infrastructure and veterinary advancements, the success is also being attributed to the zoo’s peaceful and naturalistic setting. Sepahijala Zoo is located inside a 18.5 sq. km forest reserve that includes botanical gardens, lakes, and bird sanctuaries—providing a habitat that closely mimics the wild.
Future of Tiger Conservation in Tripura
Plans are underway to create a new enclosure that will serve as a viewing arena once the cubs are old enough. Zoo officials are also considering a live webcam feed for virtual visitors to observe the cubs without disturbing them.
Conservationists suggest this breakthrough can inspire other northeastern states to strengthen their captive breeding programs. Assam’s Kaziranga and Manas have long dominated wildlife headlines, but Tripura’s success now adds another vital link in the regional conservation chain. Learn more about India’s Project Tiger program and related stats on the National Tiger Conservation Authority site.
The birth of these cubs is not just a feel-good story—it holds ecological significance. With the global tiger population under threat due to habitat loss and poaching, every successful breeding case contributes to species survival.
Residents of Tripura have embraced the news with pride. Local social media platforms have been flooded with posts celebrating the achievement. Tourism operators are also expecting a boost in visitors in the coming months.
This historic event has ignited hope, inspired a new wave of conservation awareness, and reminded us that even small zoos, with the right support and care, can make a big impact on wildlife preservation.
