Pilikula Biological Park’s tigress Rani gives birth to two cubs, total count reaches 10

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, March 11, 2025: Rani, a tigress at Pilikula Biological Park, has given birth to two cubs, bringing the park’s tiger population to 10. The cubs, one male and one female, are now two months old and in good health.

Rani has a history of multiple births. In 2016, she set a record by delivering five cubs, followed by three more in 2021. With this latest birth, she has now become the mother of 10 cubs. Rani was brought to Pilikula from Bannerghatta Biological Park in 2016 as part of an animal exchange program, with a male tiger from Pilikula sent to Bannerghatta in return.

At its peak, Pilikula housed over 15 tigers. The park originally received its first tigers from the Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari in Shivamogga when it was established. Now, zoos from Shivamogga and Hampi have shown interest in acquiring tigers from Pilikula, while discussions are also underway to bring a tiger from Madhya Pradesh through an exchange program.

With 150 zoos across the country, including 18 major ones, Pilikula is recognized as one of the prominent wildlife parks under the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). Unlike many other zoos, it does not receive government funding and instead relies on donations and CSR grants for maintenance. A recent visit by the state legislature committee praised the park’s management.

Highest animal birth rate in India

According to CZA data for 2023-24, Pilikula has the highest animal reproduction rate among all zoos in India, with a birth rate of 36.47% and a mortality rate of just 3.99%. In contrast, the national average for zoo births is 8.14%, while the mortality rate stands at 5.81%.