The rigorous search for Zeenat, a 3-year-old tigress who made headlines for escaping from the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha on December 15, has finally come to a close with her capture in West Bengal’s Bankura district on Sunday morning. The tigress, whose daring escape sparked widespread concern, had evaded capture for more than a week, covering significant distances through the forests of Odisha and West Bengal.
Zeenat’s escape from the STR raised alarm among wildlife officials, as her movements indicated a growing risk of her straying into human-populated areas. The young tigress first moved to Kankrajhor forest in Jhargram, Odisha, before crossing into Purulia, West Bengal. GPS data tracked by the forest department showed her moving through dense forests in Manbazar and Bandwan, before finally entering West Bengal, where the search intensified.
Over the course of the next few days, Zeenat traveled over 120 kilometers, avoiding capture and staying hidden in the forested areas. The search operation, which initially began in Odisha, expanded into West Bengal and even Jharkhand, involving teams of wildlife experts, forest officials, and special task forces, including the Sundarbans Tiger Project. Despite their best efforts, the tigress eluded capture until late Saturday night, when her location was pinpointed near Bankura.
The capture operation was conducted with precision. Forest department officials from the states of Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand joined forces, coordinating their efforts to ensure Zeenat's safe capture. At Bankura, the tigress was finally tranquilized, and officials were able to cage her without incident. Her capture came as a huge relief to the authorities, who had been concerned about the safety of both the animal and local populations who could have been at risk.
Following the successful capture, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to Twitter to express her congratulations to the forest officials and everyone involved in the rescue operation. She highlighted the collective effort of the team and praised the successful rescue as a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration among various stakeholders.
"My heartiest congratulations to the forest officials of West Bengal on the successful rescue of the tigress, Zeenat. My sincere gratitude to the district administration, police, panchayat functionaries, and the local people for their invaluable support and collaboration in this remarkable effort," Mamata Banerjee tweeted.
Banerjee also acknowledged the broader significance of the operation, stressing that it was not just about saving one animal but also about reinforcing the crucial importance of preserving natural habitats and protecting wildlife. "Your combined efforts have not only saved a majestic creature that strayed out of its habitat but also reinforced the importance of protecting our natural heritage. Thank you for your outstanding work!" she added.
Wildlife experts and forest officials expressed their relief after the successful operation, as the risk of harm to both the tigress and the people in the surrounding areas was a major concern. Experts emphasized that while Zeenat’s behavior may have seemed erratic, her actions were typical of a young animal who had strayed far from its familiar environment. The situation underscored the challenges faced by wildlife authorities in managing animals that venture out of their protected habitats, especially in regions with dense human populations and expanding urbanization.
The successful operation also illustrated the significance of high-tech tracking systems, such as GPS collaring, which helped authorities track Zeenat’s movements across vast and remote terrains. Such tools provide vital real-time information, enabling officials to make more informed decisions during search operations.
This incident highlights the delicate balance required to manage wildlife outside their natural habitats and the constant effort needed to ensure both the safety of animals and people. It also draws attention to the growing importance of wildlife conservation efforts, with animals like Zeenat needing protection not only in reserves but also in the wilderness areas they may traverse. As for Zeenat, now safely back in the care of authorities, the next steps will involve her assessment and rehabilitation, ensuring she can return to a secure environment where she can thrive.
