Beloved Tigress from Raipur Safari Passes Away During Treatment
Vantara: The well-known Royal Bengal tigress Bijli, one of the major attractions of Raipur Jungle Safari, passed away during medical treatment at Vantara Wildlife Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. She had been under constant observation for several days but could not recover from her prolonged illness.
Wildlife officials confirmed that Bijli’s health had been critical for the past month. Despite multiple treatments and special care, she took her final breath on Friday night.
Transferred from Raipur to Gujarat for Intensive Care
In August, Bijli started showing signs of fatigue and loss of appetite. The veterinary team at Raipur’s Nandanvan Zoo and Jungle Safari immediately began her treatment. However, as her condition did not improve, experts suspected a blood parasite infection. To confirm, samples were sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, which later ruled out the infection.
Since her health continued to decline, the authorities decided to shift her to Vantara Wildlife Rescue and Care Centre on October 7 — a facility known across India for its advanced wildlife healthcare services and expert veterinary support.
Efforts at Vantara Couldn’t Save Her Life
Specialist doctors at Vantara provided continuous medical supervision, nutritional therapy, and life-supportive treatment. However, all efforts went in vain, and the tigress could not survive.
Officials said the exact cause of death will be known after the post-mortem report.
Her passing has left wildlife caretakers and visitors deeply saddened.
Also read: Royal Bengal Tigress ‘Bijli’ Moved to Vantara for Specialized Medical Treatment
A Symbol of Pride for Raipur Jungle Safari
At the age of eight, Bijli had become the face of Raipur Jungle Safari. Tourists and wildlife lovers from across the state visited the park to see her majestic beauty. Her death has created an emotional void for the safari staff and animal lovers alike.
A senior official expressed grief, saying, “Bijli was not just a tigress — she represented the spirit of Raipur Safari. We did everything possible to save her, but destiny decided otherwise.”
Wildlife Conservation Under the Spotlight Again
Bijli’s death has once again highlighted the urgent need for modern veterinary infrastructure for wild animals in India. Experts say that if every state had advanced diagnostic facilities like Vantara, many endangered species could receive timely treatment and survival chances would increase.
They also called for better coordination between zoos, rescue centers, and safaris to ensure rapid medical responses for ailing wildlife.
Also read: Rescued Orangutan to be Returned to Indonesia by Vantara Rescue Center
Memorial Planned in Her Memory
Authorities at Raipur Jungle Safari have announced that a memorial section dedicated to Bijli will soon be created inside the safari premises. Photos and videos showcasing her journey will be displayed to spread awareness about wildlife conservation.
Though Bijli is no longer alive, her legacy will continue to inspire people to protect and care for India’s wild creatures — reminding everyone of the importance of centers like Vantara, which work tirelessly to save endangered animals.