At the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari in Shivamogga, a psychology graduate student examined the behavior of tigress Poornima under academic guidance. The collaboration yielded a measurable reduction in aggression and a smoother adaptation for the animal.

Key Takeaways

  • Significant drop in Poornima's aggression
  • Systematic desensitisation led to successful habituation
  • Academic‑zoo partnership sets a precedent for future wildlife conservation

In 2025, Shivamogga Zoo’s Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari launched a comprehensive behavioral study of the rescued tigress Poornima, working closely with psychologists from Kateel Ashok Pai Memorial College (KAPMC). The project formed the core of MSc Psychology student Anikethana S.’s dissertation, supervised by faculty member Tejeshwar Dhananjaya, an expert in animal behavior.

Background

Poornima was rescued after a human‑animal conflict in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Early observations revealed pronounced agonistic responses: roaring, lunging at the glass viewing wall, growling, and pacing whenever visitors or keepers approached her enclosure. These stress‑induced behaviors prompted zoo officials to seek a scientific solution that could reduce her anxiety and improve her welfare.

Methodology

Over a two‑month period, Anikethana, guided by Dhananjaya, employed systematic desensitisation and exposure therapy—techniques borrowed from clinical psychology. Initially, the pair maintained a safe distance while observing Poornima, gradually decreasing that distance to monitor behavioral shifts. The study emphasized consistent, motionless observation, allowing the tigress to habituate at her own pace without sudden disturbances.

Findings

The data documented a steady positive shift: aggressive displays dwindled, and Poornima began to tolerate human presence without vocalizing or striking the enclosure. The study’s success convinced zoo biologists that psychological tools could complement traditional animal‑behavior analysis, leading to a temporary relocation of Poornima to a display area before returning her to the safari once new tigers were introduced.

Implications for Conservation

Executive Director V.M. Amarakshara highlighted that this interdisciplinary approach enriches scientific understanding and offers a replicable model for other wildlife facilities. By integrating psychology with zoology, the zoo not only improved an individual animal’s welfare but also demonstrated how academic research can directly inform on‑ground conservation practices.