Ramnagar, 30 Sep: The Corbett Tiger Reserve has achieved a rare veterinary milestone with the successful surgery on its oldest tiger at the Dhikala Rescue Centre. The 20-year-old male tiger, rescued from the Dhikala zone in 2019, has astonished specialists and experts with its exceptional age and posed a major challenge for wildlife veterinarians owing to the complexity of the surgery. However, as a result of the expertise of doctors and the use of modern equipment, the operation was successfully conducted and the tiger is now reported to be in a stable condition.
Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Dr Saket Badola shared that the problem was identified some time ago and, with the permission of the Chief Wildlife Warden, a committee was constituted to oversee the matter. A team of three wildlife veterinarians was then assigned to carry out the surgery using advanced medical facilities. He added that the results have so far been encouraging, and the tiger is recovering well.
At present, the Dhela Rescue Centre shelters 11 tigers and 14 leopards, all rescued from different regions following incidents of conflict with humans. Experts believe the longevity of this 20-year-old tiger stands as a testament to the effectiveness of wildlife management at Corbett, proving that enhanced care and modern medical facilities can extend the lives of big cats well beyond their expected span. They maintain that the success of this operation is significant not only for conservation but also for veterinary science, demonstrating that advanced technology coupled with professional expertise can make the seemingly impossible possible. The long life of this tiger now serves as an inspiration for further conservation efforts and for the care of other rescued animals in the reserve.
