The translocation effort aimed at enhancing the genetic diversity of tigers in Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve has received a major boost, with tigress Zeenat, brought from Maharashtra, giving birth to four cubs. Photographs of Zeenat gently carrying her cubs in her mouth within the reserve have since gone viral.

“Today, a proud chapter has been added to Odisha’s natural resources and wildlife conservation efforts. Tigress Zeenat, relocated from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, has given birth to four cubs in the conducive environment of Similipal,” Chief Minister Mohan Majhi announced on X on Tuesday (June 2, 2026).

“This success not only signifies an increase in the tiger population in the State but also stands as an excellent testament to our administrative foresight in protecting biodiversity and creating a safe and robust habitat for wildlife,” said Mr. Majhi.

Odisha Chief Minister further said, “Special measures have been taken by the Forest Department to ensure the safety of the mother and cubs, and their movements are being continuously monitored. Thanks to the dedicated vigil and effective conservation policies of our forest staff, Odisha has today established itself as a secure sanctuary for wildlife.”

“Our government remains fully committed to preserving the ecological balance of Similipal intact and strengthening the State’s wildlife conservation initiatives in the days ahead,” he asserted.

After her translocation from Maharashtra in 2025, Zeenat had a troubled phase last year. Following 10 days of acclimatisation in the core area of Similipal, the tigress, while attempting to establish her territory, strayed into Jharkhand and then West Bengal in the first week of December, putting the forest departments of Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal on alert.

The tigress was tranquilised and captured in West Bengal on December 29, 2025. After a medical examination, the tigress was brought back to Similipal on the directions of the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Subsequently, a special enclosure was created in southern Similipal, while forest department officials kept a strict vigil on Zeenat.

A sizeable number of tigers in Similipal displays pseudo-melanism, characterised by black stripes much more pronounced than the typical colouration of a Royal Bengal Tiger. It is largely due to the result of inbreeding. Under NTCA supervision, Zeenat and another tiger, Jamuna, were released into the Similipal to improve genetic diversity.

According to the Similipal Tiger Reserve authorities, Zeenat was released into a soft enclosure created for Jamuna in the southern division. The southern part covers a major portion of Simlipal’s core area and has denser forest cover and no anthropogenic pressure. The tigress would remain under observation, and in the process, she would continue acclimatising before being released into the wild, the authorities said.

The Odisha government had earlier planned to bring six pairs of tigers from other States to Similipal. Zeenat giving birth to four cubs assumes significant importance for the State Forest department, especially after an earlier experiment to introduce tigers in Satkosia Tiger Reserve had failed. A tiger brought from Madhya Pradesh and released into Satkosia died after falling into a poacher’s trap, while another was sent back to Madhya Pradesh after facing hostility from people within Satkosia Reserve Forest.