CHANCHAL GOLA/ Ramnagar
Bhola, the male tiger that remained the cynosure of the Fato Zone of the Corbett Tiger Reserve under the Terai West Forest Division for its massive size and majestic gait succumbed to its injuries during treatment on Wednesday. It was lovingly named ‘Bhola’ by the Corbett visitors and its frequent sighting in the Fato Zone used to attract animal lovers from across the country and abroad.
In June, jeep drivers in the Fato Zone spotted Bhola limping and informed the forest authorities about its condition. Acting on the information, the senior veterinary officer of CTR, Dr Dushyant Sharma, along with his team, rescued the injured tiger on June 26. Bhola was subsequently brought to the Dhela Rescue Centre, where he was provided treatment. Despite the best efforts from the veterinarians, its condition failed to improve.
Announcing the death of the popular big cat, the director of Corbett Tiger Reserve, Saket Badola said the tiger had been in a critical condition and succumbed to its injuries during treatment.
The male tiger was estimated to be around nine years old. Biological samples collected from the carcass have been sent to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, for scientific examination to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Meanwhile, the post-mortem examination was conducted in the presence of the deputy director, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rahul Mishra and other forest officials. Following the necessary procedures, the carcass was disposed of as per the prescribed protocol.
