Euthanasia was carried out on ‘Nandu’, a 14-year-old male tiger under the care of the Thrissur Zoological Park at Puthur.
Nandu was rescued from Wayanad last December and brought to the Thrissur Zoological Park. A biopsy later confirmed that the tiger was suffering from oral cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma).
The tiger developed bleeding from the mouth and experienced difficulty eating. Although treatment was provided under the supervision of expert veterinary doctors, the disease progressed, and his condition deteriorated to the point where he was unable to close his mouth.
The possibility of chemotherapy was also considered, but it was ruled out due to the tiger’s low blood count. Considering the severe pain caused by the advanced disease and the veterinary experts’ assessment that there was no possibility of recovery, euthanasia was carried out following an order from the Chief Wildlife Warden.
BN Nagaraj, IFS, Director of Puthur Zoological Park, said the decision was taken in accordance with provisions of the Wildlife Act, which state that animals should not be subjected to prolonged suffering when recovery is not possible.
A post-mortem examination was completed at the Mannuthy Veterinary University at around 10 a.m. on September 9. The tiger’s remains were subsequently buried within the Thrissur Zoological Park premises following the prescribed procedures.
