Agartala, May 20 (Reporter) A tigress gave birth to three healthy tiger cubs in Sepahijala Zoological Park in Tripura’s Sepahijala district a week ago, the first time in the history of the zoo since 1972, wildlife officials said here on Tuesday. Despite several attempts in the past, the authority was not successful, but the tigress that was introduced to the zoo just last year under an animal exchange programme delivered the cubs inside the zoo on May 11 last. Director of Sepahijala Zoo Biswajit Das said from 2015 to early 2024, the zoo had no tigers in its enclosures. When a pair of Royal Bengal Tigers—a male and a female—arrived from a West Bengal zoo as part of a strategic exchange programme in February 2024, authorities relaunched the tiger breeding programme. The pair bonded naturally, and within months, the female conceived without any intervention, Das said, and added, “We’re closely monitoring the mother and her cubs through CCTV cameras. The enclosure has been designated a no-disturbance zone to give them the peace and security they need.” To support the mother tigress in her postnatal phase, the zoo has ramped up her diet, providing nutrient-rich food and supplements to ensure both her health and adequate nourishment for the cubs. Fresh meat and healthy soups are being given to the new mother several times every day so that the cubs get enough milk from the tigress. “The health of the mother is crucial for the survival of the cubs. We’re leaving no stone unturned,” Das added. The last time a tiger cub was born at Sepahijala Zoo was in 2014, but the birth ended in heartbreak as the cub was stillborn. This year’s successful birth has brought renewed hope and excitement to the zoo staff and wildlife enthusiasts alike, signalling a promising future for tiger conservation efforts in the state. With the birth of three cubs, the number of tigers in Sepahijala Zoo has increased to five...////...