Tigress Zeenat captured in Bankura after days on the run, sent to rehabilitation

Tigress Zeenat, who had been roaming the forests of Bankura for over a week, was successfully captured by the forest department on Sunday afternoon. The operation, which began after the tigress crossed from Odisha’s Simlipal forest, culminated in her capture in the Gosaidihi area of Bankura. Forest officials used tranquilizer darts to subdue the tigress at approximately 3 p.m. and subsequently placed her in a cage. The tigress was reported to be in stable health, and plans were made to transport her to a rehabilitation center for further monitoring and medical care.

The tigress, who had been moving through multiple forests in Odisha and West Bengal, had eluded capture for several days despite the deployment of specialized teams by the forest department. Zeenat’s presence in Bankura posed significant challenges for the department, as she moved across a vast area, making it difficult for officials to track her. In response, the forest department used a combination of strategies, including monitoring her movements, setting up traps, and deploying teams to various locations. However, the tigress’s ability to avoid capture made the operation more complex.

Following her capture, the tigress was taken to a secure facility for a thorough medical examination. Initial reports suggest she is in good health, with no major injuries sustained during her evasion. The forest department plans to rehabilitate Zeenat before making any decisions regarding her future in the wild. The successful capture concludes a week-long operation that required extensive coordination between different teams and experts. The department continues to assess the situation for potential release or further rehabilitation, depending on her condition.