Chandrapur : In a move to ease the mounting overcrowding crisis at Chandrapur’s Transit Treatment Centre (TTC), Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) authorities are exploring the transfer of four captured tigers to Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park at Katraj in Pune district.
The proposed relocation comes amid an alarming situation at TTC, where 21 big cats, including 16 tigers and five leopards, are being housed against the facility’s limited capacity, with 11 predators forced to languish in cramped capture cages. Of the 21 animals currently housed there, only 10 — including one tiger family with a mother tigress and three sub-adult cubs housed together in one enclosure — are accommodated in the larger enclosures.
The approval process is likely to take around three to four months,” Mali said. The zoo has expressed interest in accommodating the animals, prompting preliminary discussions with Central Zoo Authority (CZA). TTC, which was established for short-term treatment, medical stabilisation and temporary holding of rescued wildlife, has effectively turned into a prolonged captivity centre. Six tigers and all five leopards are confined to small capture cages measuring barely 4×7 feet. Several have remained at TTC for over a year, with no captured animals having been relocated during this period. Deputy director (Buffer Zone), TATR, Vishal Mali, has written to various zoos and zoological parks seeking suitable destinations for the rescued predators after consultations with CZA. “The transfer requires approval from the Central Zoo Authority and the PCCF (Wildlife), Maharashtra. The tigers and leopards housed at TTC were captured after fatal human-wildlife conflict incidents or repeated incursions into areas close to human settlements.
However, with Gorewada itself operating at full capacity and unable to accommodate additional animals, TATR authorities have been compelled to explore alternative destinations.
Earlier, Gorewada Wildlife Rescue Centre in Nagpur served as the principal destination for rescued predators from Chandrapur.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park has responded positively, but the identities of the four tigers proposed for transfer are yet to be finalised.
The proposed transfer of big cats to Pune could provide some relief to four of the 21 animals. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nagpur | Silver Rate in Nagpur | Bank Holidays in Nagpur | Public Holidays in Nagpur | Petrol Price in Nagpur | Diesel Price in Nagpur | CNG Price in Nagpur | LPG Price in Nagpur Stay updated with the latest Nagpur news. With regulatory clearances expected to take several months and no immediate alternative accommodation in sight, the remaining predators face an uncertain period of continued confinement in a facility never designed for prolonged captivity. Download the TOI App.