The 17-year-old tigress Dashami died at the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari due to geriatric complications and sudden paraplegia.

  • 17-year-old tigress Dashami died at Tyavarekoppa Safari.
  • Cause of death: Geriatric complications and sudden paraplegia.
  • Dashami was born during the Vijaya Dashami festival in 2009.
  • Seven tigers now remain in the zoo's population.

In a somber moment for wildlife enthusiasts, the renowned tigress Dashami passed away at the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari in Shivamogga on Sunday, September 6. The 17-year-old tigress succumbed to age-related health issues and multiple organ failure.

According to a press communique released by V.M. Amarakshara, the Executive Director of the zoo, Dashami breathed her last at approximately 11:25 a.m. The official report stated that the tigress suffered from sudden geriatric complications, specifically paraplegia, which had drastically impacted her mobility. She had been under intensive veterinary care for the past ten days in an attempt to stabilize her condition.

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Historical Background

Dashami held a significant place in the zoo's history. She was born on October 19, 2009, coinciding with the Vijaya Dashami festival, making her a symbolic resident of the facility. She was one of two cubs born during that festival; her sibling, a tiger named Vijaya, had previously passed away in February 2025. Her long life served as a testament to the zoo's long-term management of large carnivores.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the loss of long-standing residents like Dashami highlights the complexities of geriatric care in captive wildlife. As apex predators age, managing neurological and mobility issues like paraplegia becomes a critical aspect of zoo management and conservation science.

The sudden onset of paraplegia in aging large felids often signals advanced neurological decline, making recovery extremely difficult.

To ensure a thorough investigation into the cause of death, a comprehensive post-mortem is scheduled for Monday, September 7. The medical team will consist of specialists from the Veterinary College in Shivamogga, the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals in Hebbal, Bengaluru, and the zoo's own veterinary officers.

With the departure of Dashami, the tiger population at the safari now stands at seven. This includes five females (Nivedita, Poornima, Sita, Shravani, and Rohini) and two males (Bhadra and Vikram).

Did You Know?: Tigers in captivity often live significantly longer than their wild counterparts due to consistent nutrition and medical intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What was the specific medical cause of Dashami's death?
Answer: Dashami died due to geriatric complications, specifically sudden paraplegia and subsequent organ failure.

Question 2: How many tigers are left in the Shivamogga zoo?
Answer: Following Dashami's death, there are seven tigers remaining in the safari.