Patna zoo under fire as video of ‘malnourished’ white tiger sparks concern; PETA urges probe

Even though the zoo later issued a press statement saying the 12-year-old tigress is healthy and under routine veterinary supervision, the reassurance has done little to calm the online backlash.

The statement was posted by an X user on their handle.

Watch the video:

This is Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (Patna Zoo). And this is the condition of this white tiger in the enclosure! This is pure Corruption and neglect. @PetaIndia @peta please intervene.#Zooneglect #SaveWildlife.

Folks plz tag Peta! This is serious. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/K86gDxUYys

— RAHUL (@RahulSeeker) February 25, 2026

As the debate intensified, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India also weighed in, urging officials to carefully examine the situation. PETA tagged the Central Zoo Authority and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, suggesting that the tiger be moved to a sanctuary if required.

We request Patna Zoo to rehabilitate this tiger to a sanctuary where the zoochosis (psychological condition from intense confinement) can ease and body condition can hopefully improve. @CZA_Delhi, @NitishKumar, @MLCBJPPramod, @DEFCCOfficial

— PETA India (@PetaIndia) February 25, 2026

PETA wrote, “We request Patna Zoo to rehabilitate this tiger to a sanctuary where the zoochosis (psychological condition from intense confinement) can ease and body condition can hopefully improve.”

Zoo authorities, however, have firmly rejected allegations of neglect. Officials maintained that the tiger is medically fit, properly fed and under continuous veterinary observation, adding that all health indicators are normal.

The Zoo authorities have issued press notice saying the claims being made in videos circulating on social media regarding this matter are incorrect.

I still urge @PetaIndia to personally check the matter. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/mwjwms9Vo3

— RAHUL (@RahulSeeker) February 25, 2026

Online, many users remain unconvinced.

One person wrote, “Tiger has become the Big Cat only….appears a case of malnutrition, if we can’t take care of them, then we should better release them.” Another user commented, “Corruption does not discriminate between 2 legged or 4 legged animals.’

A third person added, “He needs food. He needs his habitat. He needs to be safe. What’s truly disheartening is that this no longer surprises us.”

A fourth individual wrote, “I don’t really like the concept of zoo. Its very small place for an animal to live. National park kind of concept is much better atleast they can roam around freely.”