Tigress tranquilised at Odisha reserve after two-week chase

After multiple failed attempts over the past two weeks, forest officials in Odisha's Satkosia Tiger Reserve on Tuesday succeeded in tranquilizing tigress "Sundari", weeks after local people claimed that it killed two persons in the vicinity.

The tigress was brought to the state from Madhya Pradesh as part of the Odisha government's tiger reintroduction programme in the reserve.

Sundari was tranquilised on Tuesday morning, her health is stated to be in good condition, said Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) (wildlife) Sandeep Tripathy.

Sources said experts, including officials from Nandankanan Zoo and Satkosia wildlife sanctuary, shot the dart, while she was eating.

An elephant from Chandaka forest was also deployed in the team to aid the operation, they said.

Two villagers, including a woman, were allegedly mauled by the tigress last month. Local people had staged a massive protest, demanding that "Sundari" be sent back to relocated to another destination.

An official at Satkosia reserve said the tigress will be kept in a special enclosure for now.

"Sundari will be kept at a special enclosure at Rayagada area in Satkosia, The authorities of the National Tiger Conservation Authority will decide on the next course of action," he said.