Feature Image courtesy: ANI
After years of quiet cages and cautious hope, the National Zoological Park in Delhi has made history.
Six Royal Bengal tiger cubs were born to tigress Aditi — the largest litter seen in two decades at the zoo.
It’s a milestone that not only revives Delhi Zoo’s tiger conservation efforts but also reaffirms the power of persistence, science, and care.
The birth of these cubs marks more than a zoological achievement. It’s a story of trial, patience, and eventual triumph — where each cub carries a legacy of learning, adaptation, and second chances.
The wait that tested everything
For 18 long years, the tiger enclosures at Delhi Zoo remained without the sound of newborn roars. The drought ended in 2023 with the birth of five cubs to Siddhi, a tigress from Bannerghatta Biological Park.
It was a glimmer of hope — though only two survived, it signalled that something was finally working. But the real turning point came with Aditi.
Brought from Gorewada in Maharashtra in 2021, Aditi’s journey was filled with setbacks. Initial mating attempts failed. She was paired first with Karan, then with Hari, both without success. Zoo staff, however, remained hopeful. And on 21 April 2025, their optimism paid off.
Between 9 and 11 am that day, Aditi gave birth to six healthy cubs. Not only did she deliver a full litter, but all six cubs survived the critical first 48 hours — a feat rarely seen, even in the wild.
Lessons from Siddhi and the science of second chances
Siddhi’s earlier litter had already laid the groundwork. Despite the loss of three cubs, her successful delivery taught the zoo valuable lessons about maternal care, enclosure stressors, and postnatal handling. Those lessons became the blueprint for Aditi’s care.
Veterinarians, led by Dr Abhijit Bhawal, fine-tuned everything: diet, movement patterns, temperature control, and medical monitoring. Aditi was kept calm and isolated in the weeks leading up to her due date.
Her enclosure was modified, CCTV cameras were installed, and staff rotated in shifts to ensure quiet observation rather than interference.
Unlike Siddhi’s cubs, who faced early complications, Aditi’s delivery was smooth — a testament to how even failed attempts can pave the way for future success when institutions are willing to learn.
A tale of two tigresses and a growing legacy
Siddhi’s journey was always seen as hopeful. She had broken the 18-year gap. Her surviving cubs, named Dhatri (nurturer) and Dhairya (patience), were eventually introduced to visitors, becoming mascots for the zoo’s rebounding conservation mission. Their presence showed that the roar had not been silenced — only paused.
Now, Aditi’s six new cubs mark a shift from isolated success to sustained momentum. With her, the zoo is no longer celebrating rare births but planning for long-term expansion. Her cubs are thriving under the close watch of keepers and will, in time, become ambassadors for their species — reminding visitors that conservation is a long game.
Delhi Zoo currently houses six Royal Bengal tigers along with its population of white tigers. The enclosures are being expanded to allow more space for the growing tiger family, ensuring the animals can mature in an environment that encourages strength, health, and play.
Why this litter matters more than ever
India holds over half the world’s remaining wild tigers. But in a country where forest loss and poaching still pose real threats, zoos are emerging as quiet sanctuaries — not just for preservation, but for education and genetic continuity.
Delhi Zoo’s success is not just about numbers. It reflects years of behind-the-scenes effort, coordinated breeding programmes, inter-zoo transfers, veterinary innovations, and emotional investment from staff. It’s a story of believing that every attempt matters — and every setback teaches something new.
In the months ahead, the six cubs will be vaccinated, slowly socialised, and eventually introduced to the public. When that happens, visitors will see more than just baby tigers. They’ll witness the result of commitment, resilience, and a shared desire to protect one of India’s most iconic animals.
From an empty enclosure to the lively squeaks of six striped cubs — the journey has come full circle.
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