Four cubs reunited: SGNP’s tiger cubs recover from rare viral infection

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 yearThe 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 siblingsldquoThe 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 virusWe 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 togetherrdquo said Kiran Patil deputy director SGNP SouthOne 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 animalsThe successful recovery marks a significant achievement for SGNPrsquos veterinary team and ensures that visitors to the parkrsquos popular tiger safari can once again see all four surviving cubs togetherHow SGNPrsquos vets helped save the cubsDr Nikhil Bangar SGNP veterinarianWhat is the current health status of the tiger cubs that had tested positive for Feline Infectious Peritonitis FIPAfter over two months of isolation and supportive care followup PCR tests blood and faecal for both FIPpositive tiger cubs have returned negative Currently both cubs are clinically stable and under regular monitoring for growth health and any potential disease recurrenceCould you elaborate on the treatment protocol and veterinary care administered to the affected cubsBecause 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 handlingrelated stress and maintaining strict biosecurity measures This approach successfully led to clinical recovery and subsequent negative PCR resultsWhat preventive and biosecurity measures were implemented to ensure that the infection did not spread to other animals housed within the facilityThe cubs were moved to a separate isolation enclosure with a dedicated caretaker to prevent crosscontamination To minimise humananimal 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 protocolsHave the recovered cubs undergone followup testing and what were the resultsYes Serial followup PCR testing of blood and faecal samples was conducted While tests conducted after one month remained positive subsequent tests near the twomonth mark returned negative Final confirmatory repeat testing also cleared both cubs as negative for FIPWere any changes made to the animal health monitoring system following the detection of the infectionYes 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 postdeworming 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 illnessThe cubsrsquo fight for survivalOctober 2 2025Srivalli gives birth to five cubsApril 16 2026One cub dies after contracting FIPAprilMay 2026Two sibling cubs test positive and are shifted to isolationJune 2026Followup PCR tests return negativePresentAll four surviving cubs are being reunited and returned to the safariWhat is FIPFeline Infectious Peritonitisgtgt A serious viral disease affecting felinesgtgt Can affect animals of any agegtgt May occur even in vaccinated animalsgtgt Difficult to predict and managegtgt No vaccine currently availablegtgt No globally approved treatment existsWhy it mattersThe captive tiger and lion safari launched in the 1990s remains one of SGNPrsquos biggest attractions The recovery of the two cubs means visitors can once again see all four surviving siblings together