Mumbai: Here's how Shakti, the SGNP cub, went from strength to strength

After seven months of being monitored diligently the sole surviving tiger cub at Sanjay Gandhi National Park SGNP is now in excellent health showcasing the successful outcome of the parkrsquos officials veterinary officer and animal keepersrsquo collective efforts The female cub Shakti was born on March 25Dr Nikhil Bangar and the SGNP team that nursed the cub to healthTalking about the challenges in raising the cub the veterinary officer at SGNP Dr Nikhil Bangar said ldquoRaising a big cat cub by handrearing presents numerous challenges There are various essential components involved in this process including understanding the need for handrearing exploring alternatives considering biological behaviours providing initial care and stabilisation conducting physical examinations implementing nursing procedures addressing common health issues emphasising recordkeeping and adhering to strict schedules In this particular case the challenge was intensified due to the cubrsquos fragile condition when admitted to the hospitalrdquoRecovery processShakti was weak and underweight requiring almost two weeks to stabilise ldquoShe suffered from feeding syndrome which necessitated the introduction of milk replacer and supplements such as multivitamins and calcium A dedicated team of staff followed a strict schedule to ensure the cubrsquos wellbeing As Shakti grew the transition from a liquid to a solid diet was another challenging step in the process This involved addressing the cubrsquos various needs and behaviours a journey that demanded significant effort and experimentation Currently Shakti is eating solid food mainly meat once a day with the quantity tailored to her weight She is healthy and steadily gaining weightrdquo added Dr BangarShakti the sevenmonthold cub PicSGNPOn the instructions of SGNP Field Director and Conservator of Forest G Mallikarjun six dedicated hospital staff members including the veterinary officer were involved in the care of the cub and showed unwavering dedication and sacrificed their family time over the past seven months to treat the feline The team members are Dr Bangar and cubrearing experts Deepak Tokare Sanjay Barap Mayur Zirve Vikas Shanvar and Prashant TokreDaily routineAs a part of the daily routine the cub is being released into an open enriched and naturally mimicked enclosure in the morning There she has the opportunity to explore and engage in her natural behaviours In the evening she is fed meat and bones and all necessary medicines required for her age After her meal she is placed in her night enclosure The veterinary official also told midday that as per the cubrsquos weight her growth is proceeding at a normal rate and she currently weighs 24 kg Shaktirsquos progress is being carefully monitored to ensure her continued wellbeing and developmentFate of siblingsThe female offspring of Srivalli and Bajirao along with three siblings was born in captivity at SGNP Her siblings the first cubs to be born at the facility after a gap of 13 years unfortunately perished over a few days The captive tiger and lion safari at SGNP commenced in the 1990s and has since become a popular tourist attraction24 kgShaktirsquos weightSixNo of staff involved in the project