Indore (Madhya Pradesh): There is an air of exhilaration in the Indore Zoo as its family of more than 1,300 animals has expanded with the birth of nine new members, including three tiger cubs and two lion cubs. The zoo, known for its excellent care and conservation efforts, continues to witness a steady increase in its wildlife population. The most exciting development is that tigress Jamuna has given birth to three healthy cubs, bringing her total offspring count to 19 in the past nine years.

Born in 2016, Jamuna has been paired with male tiger Adam and has consistently contributed to the zoo’s tiger population. In 2022, she gave birth to four cubs, followed by three more in 2023. According to zoo in-charge Uttam Yadav, the new cubs are inside their den. They have not come out yet, but their movements indicate they are healthy. Among them, two are yellow tigers and one is a rare white tiger.

Meanwhile, lioness Sundari, who was born in 2018, has also welcomed two cubs after mating with Arjun, a male lion brought from Haryana. The newborns are doing well and are carefully being observed. Zoo education officer Nihar Parulekar said this week has been particularly eventful for Indore Zoo, as a hippopotamus also gave birth to a calf and three cubs were born to a bear. Zoo authorities credit a well-maintained environment, quality diet and careful monitoring for the continuous rise in animal births. The zoo now housed 11 tigers and 11 lions, added Parulekar.

With these new additions, Indore Zoo remains one of the most well-maintained and thriving zoos in the country, drawing thousands of visitors every week eager to witness its incredible wildlife. Interestingly, Jamuna had made headlines in 2016 when she escaped from her enclosure twice within 15 days, causing panic among zoo officials. She managed to jump over an 18-foot pit, climb a 12-foot vertical wall and break an iron mesh before walking freely inside the zoo. Since then, security measures around her enclosure have been significantly enhanced.