08 June,2026 08:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Tigress Srivalli with her cubs at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s Tiger Safari. Two cubs that had tested positive for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) have recovered and tested negative, allowing all four surviving cubs to be reunited. Pics/SGNP
Visitors to the tiger safari at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) can once again look forward to seeing all four surviving tiger cubs together after two cubs recovered from Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a rare and often fatal viral disease that claimed the life of one of their siblings earlier this year.
The cubs, born to tigress Srivalli on October 2, 2025, had been under intensive veterinary care after two of them tested positive for the disease. Following more than two months of isolation, monitoring and supportive treatment, both cubs have now tested negative and are being reintegrated with their healthy siblings.
"The utmost care taken by our veterinarians and the entire staff has truly paid off. The recent reports for the virus have come back negative for the two cubs that were infected with this deadly virus.
We have already begun integrating them back with their two healthy siblings, and visitors taking a ride through our captive Tiger Safari will soon be able to see all four cubs thriving together," said Kiran Patil, deputy director, SGNP (South).
One of the five cubs succumbed to FIP on April 16, 2026. The disease remains a challenge for wildlife sanctuaries and zoos worldwide because there is currently no vaccine or globally approved treatment available. It can affect felines of all ages, including vaccinated animals.
The successful recovery marks a significant achievement for SGNP's veterinary team and ensures that visitors to the park's popular tiger safari can once again see all four surviving cubs together.
Dr Nikhil Bangar, SGNP veterinarian
What is the current health status of the tiger cubs that had tested positive for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)?
After over two months of isolation and supportive care, follow-up PCR tests (blood and faecal) for both FIP-positive tiger cubs have returned negative. Currently, both cubs are clinically stable and under regular monitoring for growth, health and any potential disease recurrence.
Could you elaborate on the treatment protocol and veterinary care administered to the affected cubs?
Because there is no established treatment for FIP in wild felids, the cubs were managed through strict isolation and intensive supportive care. Treatment focused on boosting immunity, managing symptoms, optimising nutrition, minimising handling-related stress and maintaining strict biosecurity measures. This approach successfully led to clinical recovery and subsequent negative PCR results.
What preventive and biosecurity measures were implemented to ensure that the infection did not spread to other animals housed within the facility?
The cubs were moved to a separate isolation enclosure with a dedicated caretaker to prevent cross-contamination. To minimise human-animal stress, their health and feeding were monitored continuously through CCTV. Essential handling and sample collection were restricted to veterinary officers under strict disinfection and hygiene protocols.
Have the recovered cubs undergone follow-up testing, and what were the results?
Yes. Serial follow-up PCR testing of blood and faecal samples was conducted. While tests conducted after one month remained positive, subsequent tests near the two-month mark returned negative. Final confirmatory repeat testing also cleared both cubs as negative for FIP.
Were any changes made to the animal health monitoring system following the detection of the infection?
Yes. Routine health surveillance has been increased from once a year to two to three times annually for blood collection and testing, along with new pre- and post-deworming faecal screening. Veterinarians have increased enclosure visits for closer behavioural observation, and animal care staff are receiving continuous training to detect and report early signs of illness.
October 2, 2025
Srivalli gives birth to five cubs.
April 16, 2026
One cub dies after contracting FIP.
April-May 2026
Two sibling cubs test positive and are shifted to isolation.
June 2026
Follow-up PCR tests return negative.
Present
All four surviving cubs are being reunited and returned to the safari.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
>> A serious viral disease affecting felines
>> Can affect animals of any age
>> May occur even in vaccinated animals
>> Difficult to predict and manage
>> No vaccine currently available
>> No globally approved treatment exists
The captive tiger and lion safari, launched in the 1990s, remains one of SGNP's biggest attractions. The recovery of the two cubs means visitors can once again see all four surviving siblings together.
