Thrissur: A 14-year-old male tiger named Nandu, who had been under treatment at the Thrissur Zoological Park in Puthur, was euthanised after his condition deteriorated due to advanced oral cancer.
Nandu was rescued from Wayanad in December last year and brought to the zoological park for rehabilitation. A biopsy later confirmed that the tiger had Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of cancer affecting the mouth.
The tiger had been suffering from bleeding in the mouth and difficulty eating. Despite treatment under the supervision of veterinary specialists, his condition continued to worsen. He eventually developed severe complications and was unable to close his mouth properly.
Veterinary experts considered chemotherapy as a possible treatment option, but it could not be pursued as the tiger had severe blood-related complications. As his disease progressed, Nandu was reportedly in considerable pain and there was no realistic possibility of improvement in his health.
The euthanasia was carried out on the orders of the Chief Wildlife Warden based on the recommendation of veterinary experts.
Puthur Zoological Park Director B.N. Nagaraj, IFS, said the decision was taken in accordance with provisions under the Wildlife Protection Act, which require that animals should not be subjected to prolonged suffering when recovery is not possible.
The post-mortem examination was completed at the Mannuthy Veterinary University around 10 am on September 9. Nandu’s remains were subsequently buried within the Thrissur Zoological Park premises following prescribed procedures.
