Wildlife lovers in Uttarakhand are mourning the death of ‘Bhola,’ a well-known male tiger from the Phato tourism zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve. The tiger had become a familiar face for safari visitors because of his frequent sightings and calm behavior. Tourists and safari drivers affectionately called him ‘Bhola’ because of his quiet and generally non-aggressive nature.
Why Tourists Loved Bhola
Bhola had become one of the most eagerly awaited tiger sightings in the Phato zone. Visitors from different parts of India and abroad often hoped to spot him during their jungle safaris. His impressive appearance, distinctive movements and relaxed behaviour made him especially popular among wildlife enthusiasts. For many visitors, seeing Bhola in the wild became one of the most memorable moments of their Corbett trip.
Injury Was Detected in June
According to forest officials, Bhola’s condition came to notice after safari drivers observed that the tiger was limping in June. A veterinary team led by Corbett Tiger Reserve’s senior veterinary officer Dr Dushyant Sharma rescued the injured tiger on June 26. He was then shifted to the Dhela Rescue Centre, where veterinarians began treatment and kept him under close observation.
Despite Treatment, Bhola Could Not Survive
Despite continuous medical care, Bhola’s condition remained critical and he eventually died during treatment. Corbett Tiger Reserve director Saket Badola confirmed his death and said that Bhola was estimated to be around nine years old. Following his death, forest officials conducted a post-mortem examination and collected biological samples to determine the exact cause and circumstances of his death.
Samples Sent for Further Examination
The collected samples have been sent to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, for scientific examination. Bhola’s death has left wildlife lovers saddened, particularly those who had followed his appearances during safaris. For many of them, he was not just another tiger in Corbett, but a familiar and much-loved presence that had become closely associated with the Phato tourism zone.