7 tigers in a space meant for 5; Bathery rescue center has no room for tigers to stay

Sultan Bathery: The Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (Hospice) in Bathery, operated by the Forest Department, is struggling to accommodate captured tigers. With no space available, efforts are underway to find an alternative location to treat an injured female tiger captured late Thursday night from Pulpally. Although the center is equipped to house five tigers, it currently shelters seven—three males and four females.

Efforts to capture tigers are also ongoing in the Chuzhali and Perunthatta regions. If additional tigers are captured, relocation will be the only option. Previously captured tigers were transferred to the Thrissur Zoo. Releasing them back into the wild has become unfeasible due to significant public protests, even for those without serious injuries.

Rehabilitation center

The rehabilitation center is located near Pachadi, on the Bathery-Pulpally road. It was established to house tigers that are old, injured, or otherwise incapable of hunting prey. The facility mimics a semi-forested environment for the animals. Since 2022, it has housed tigers captured from various locations.

The center includes two special enclosures and five cells for intensive care and treatment. Additionally, four sturdy paddocks, each about 25 meters in length and width and over 20 feet high, are secured with strong wire fencing. Due to overcrowding, the tigers are rotated through the paddocks at different times.

Need for an additional unit

The Forest Department has requested approval for an additional unit to address the overcrowding issue. Although a project proposal has been submitted, progress on the project is still confined to paperwork.

The need for expansion stems from the consistent presence and capture of tigers in Wayanad. Each unit can accommodate up to four tigers, and considering the current number of animals under care, a new unit is essential.