Captured Mysuru tiger's fate in limbo as it breaks canines while shifting

The forest department officials were to release the tiger back into the wild if it was found not guilty of killing a boy in HD Kote taluk on September 4. The tiger was captured on September 19.

A team of veterinary doctors will decide the fate of an eight-year-old tiger that was captured in Metikuppe range of Nagarahole Tiger reserve in Mysuru, a fortnight ago after it allegedly killed a seven-year-old boy.

The forest department officials were to release the tiger back into the wild if it was found not guilty of killing the boy in HD Kote taluk on September 4. The tiger was captured on September 19.

However, now concerns are being raised about its future as it has lost one of its four canines, while the second one was chipped off while shifting the male tiger from Nagarahole to Shivamogga 's Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari Zoo on September 21.

Multiple sources in the forest department confirmed to DH that the tiger had sustained injuries after the capture and while transported.

"When we captured the tiger on September 19, there were no injuries to the tiger except for a small scratch at its groin region. Its claws and teeth were intact, " said a senior forest officer at Metikuppe range requesting anonymity.

However, sources at the Shivamogga Zoo informed DH that when the tiger arrived here it had dental issues and was kept in quarantine. Sources said the tiger is currently healthy and not displaying any signs of ailments.

“We were informed that the tiger’s stay at the zoo is temporary and as soon as it recovers it will be shifted to Bhadra Tiger Reserve,” said Zoo Director Mukund Chandra. He however neither confirmed nor denied injury to the tiger.

There is growing concern now among wildlife activists over releasing this tiger back into the wild as tigers with missing canines often turn into human hunters as it becomes difficult for them to hunt their regular prey.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife) Subash Malkhade said a team of veterinary doctors will inspect the tiger's health and based on their report a decision will be taken. The tiger had broken one of its canines even before capturing, he said.