2 safari guides try to block tiger in Pilibhit with tourist gypsy, suspensded

Two guides and two drivers were suspended for 15 days at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh after violating safari rules by taking vehicles dangerously close to a tiger. The incident, which came to light through a viral video on social media, prompted swift action by the reserve's deputy director, Manish Singh.

The event occurred on Wednesday when a tiger was spotted in the Mahod Range of the reserve during a routine safari. Instead of maintaining the required distance from the big cat, several vehicles with tourists surrounded the tiger. This not only breached the safety regulations of the reserve but also disturbed the animal. Tourists were seen clicking photos and recording videos as the vehicles encroached on the tiger's space.

ये कैसा #पर्यटन? #पीलीभीत टाइगर रिजर्व में #बाघ के नजदीक दोनों ओर सैलानियों से भरी जिप्सी। कोई अनहोनी हो जाए तो सेकेंड भर में बाघ अपराधी हो जाएगा। वैसे इस शानदार वन्यजीव का आभार जो उसने खुद ही रास्ता बदल लिया। मामले में जिप्सी चालक और गाइड से #पीटीआर प्रशासन ने रिपोर्ट मांगी है। pic.twitter.com/on2UpYVkkG

— अनुराग शुक्ला/Anurag Shukla ???????? (@anuraganu83) November 20, 2024

Deputy Director Singh, upon reviewing the footage, instructed Regional Forest Officer Sahendra Yadav to investigate the matter. Based on the findings, two guides and two drivers were suspended for their negligence and rule violations.

"This kind of behavior poses a threat to both the tiger and the tourists. The rules are in place to ensure the safety of everyone, including the wildlife," Singh stated during a press interaction. Officials stressed that maintaining a respectful distance from animals is crucial in safari zones to minimize stress on wildlife and prevent potentially dangerous encounters.