In a rare yet controversial event, tigress Jayashree has become the youngest mother in Nandankanan Zoo history at just 34 months. On Saturday, Jayashree gave birth to three cubs; however, two were born dead. The sole surviving cub was rescued and moved to a childcare unit after being rejected by the immature mother.
While the zoo’s tiger population reaches 29, the incident has sparked outcry over management negligence. Jayashree and the father, Amit, are siblings from the same litter. Experts note that tigers typically mature after three years, yet these siblings were kept together in the same enclosure past maturity, leading to accidental inbreeding.
Veterinarians are closely monitoring the surviving cub, though chances of survival remain slim due to Jayashree's age. This incident has raised urgent questions regarding the separation of young tigers to prevent such biological risks.