PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Ramnagar
Bhola, one of the most well-known male tigers of the Corbett landscape, has been successfully rescued by the Forest department after being found seriously injured and limping. The tiger has been shifted to the Dhela Rescue Centre for treatment.
Speaking of this matter, the divisional forest officer (DFO) of the Tarai West Forest Division, P C Arya said that the adult male tiger, popularly known as Bhola, had been seen limping in the Phato Zone for the past few days. Following reports received from the patrolling staff, it was kept under close surveillance, during which it was confirmed that the feline was injured and weakened physically.
Upon obtaining approval from the senior forest officials, a special rescue team was constituted. The rescue operation was launched at around 10 PM on Thursday during which it was located in the Phato Zone.
Sharing details, the senior wildlife veterinarian of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, Dr Dushyant Sharma, who led the rescue operation, said that Bhola is an adult male tiger that had been under continuous monitoring since reports of its injury surfaced. “However, we faced a tough task as the tiger continued moving towards the Dhela forest. On Thursday night, it was spotted in the Phato Zone, where the team successfully tranquilized and rescued it,” he added.
During the preliminary medical examination, veterinarians found a deep wound on one of the tiger’s legs, with flesh missing from several areas. They suspect that Bhola was injured during a territorial fight with another male tiger. Due to the injury, it was unable to hunt properly and had become significantly weak.
Bhola has been admitted to the Dhela Rescue Centre, where it is currently undergoing treatment under the supervision of veterinarians and wildlife experts.
The forest officials said that once the big cat fully recovers, it would be released back into its natural habitat.
