Mumbai: SGNP's favourite 18-year-old tigress Bijalee dies after age-related health issues

Bijalee (T2) seen during the SGNP lion and tiger safari. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Bijalee (T2), the 18-year-old tigress who became a familiar face at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) after arriving from Pench Tiger Reserve in 2016, died on Wednesday night, ending a decade-long chapter for generations of park visitors. For many Mumbaikars, a trip to SGNP meant waiting for that elusive glimpse of Bijalee, with children eagerly pressing against the viewing area, families returning hoping to see her active, and countless visitors capturing her on their cameras.

[popcorn number="18 yrs" desc="Approximate age of Bijalee" class="Default"]

‘Share your memories'

The SGNP administration has invited wildlife lovers to share their memories and photos of Bijalee on social media platforms as we honour her legacy and contribution to wildlife conservation.

About Bijalee

One of the oldest captive tigresses of SGNP, she was brought there from Pench Tiger Reserve on July 11, 2016, and remained under the care and protection of SGNP for more than ten years. Over the years, she captivated the hearts of millions of visitors and brought immense joy to the veterinary and care teams who worked with her daily. Her long association with SGNP formed an important part of the park's wildlife management, conservation education, and captive animal care efforts. She died at the age of 18 years and four months following age-related health issues. A standard post-mortem examination will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.

About SGNP big cat safari

The captive lion and tiger safari at SGNP was started in the 1990s, and since then it has been one of the park's biggest tourist attractions. The park's biggest draws are the lions and tigers. But with the animals either dying of old age or from illnesses, the authorities are concerned.

Expert Speak

Dr Shailesh Pethe, senior veterinarian
The tigress was brought to SGNP after being rescued from a human-wildlife conflict zone in central India, as she could not be released back into the wild. Her behaviour was electrifying, which is why we named her Bijalee. We have some amazing memories of this beautiful tigress, and it is heartbreaking to know that she is no more.'

Pawan Sharma, honorary wildlife warden, Thane
‘T2 was brought from Pench Tiger Reserve and housed at SGNP as a part of the Captive Wildlife Management Programme regulated by the Central Zoo Authority for conservation through awareness. She was a major tourist attraction, being one of SGNP's most famous big cats.'

Official Speak

A SGNP official
‘Since last month, a gradual reduction in her food intake was noticed, following which her health was being closely monitored. Appropriate veterinary and supportive management was being provided by veterinary officers under the guidance and technical advice from the Technical Veterinary Advisory Team of Western Maharashtra. Despite their exhaustive medical efforts and continuous monitoring, Bijalee passed away peacefully at 9.45 pm on September 16.'