Byculla zoo’s star tiger Shakti dies of pneumonia

The tiger, Shakti, was brought to Byculla (Ranibaug) in 2020 along with tigress Karishma from Sambhaji Nagar zoo under an exchange programme.

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Visitors look at the Royal Bengal Tiger 'Shakti' roaming inside its enclosure at Byculla zoo. (PTI/File)

A nine-year-old Bengal tiger, which was one of the main attractions of Byculla Zoo, died of pneumonia on November 17, officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Wednesday.

The tiger, Shakti, was brought to Byculla (Ranibaug) in 2020 along with tigress Karishma from Sambhaji Nagar zoo under an exchange programme.

In a statement, the BMC said, “Shakti had not eaten food on November 15, following which he was kept under medical supervision and only water was given to him. On November 16, Shakti was given some chicken meal and water, following which he vomited. On November 17, he was taken for a medical check up when he suddenly experienced convulsions and collapsed. Shakti didn’t have any history of any disease.”

The officials said the tiger’s body was sent for postmortem at Mumbai’s Veterinary College in Parel on the same day. Preliminary autopsy report stated that Shakti died due to pneumonia resulting in respiratory failure. Samples have been sent to the National Centre for Wildlife Research and Training (NCWRT) in Nagpur for further and assesment.

Officials informed the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and cremated the animal.

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