Well-being of avni’s Cubs remain cause of worry

Mumbai: Activists have expressed concern over the well-being of slain tigress Avni’s cubs and fear that the little ones, which are now in hiding, may die from starvation. The cubs are 11 months old and have been away from the mother since the last three months, according to a forest department official.

“The forest department has not thought about the cubs. We do not know their future, whether they will be captured if found or left to die of starvation without their mother in the forest. The killing of the tigress will result in hampering the next three generations of reproduction and has defeated the tiger conservation project,” said Dr Jerryl Banait, wildlife activist.

Wildlife rights activists have stated that the search operations for the cubs should be carried out by an independent wildlife organisation that has expertise in tracking down wild animals. They have also demanded that an independent body investigate the shooting.