Killer tiger struggles in zoo environment

Mysore, Mar 20 (UNI) A seven-year-old tiger that created terror in South Kodagu by killing cattle and was later trapped by forest officials is now struggling to settle down in a new environment at the Mysore Zoo.

The big cat was brought to the city from Kodagu after a 120-km journey yesterday.

In its struggle to break free, it had got itself injured. However, the agitated wild animal finally consumed food today.

Zoo Executive Director Vijay Ranjan Singh was a relieved man as the tiger, which had reacted violently after being put in a cage by hitting itself against the wall and losing a fang in the process, was calmer today.

''He ate twice today and is battling to settle down in the new environment. We are relieved that despite being injured, he is now doing okay.'' ''It is under severe stress as it had inflicted some wounds even before it had been been caught, possibly fighting with another tiger,'' he told UNI.

The official said administering antibiotics had become a problem for the zoo vets.

The zoo had earlier treated a tiger belonging to Bandipur which was badly injured and lost its limbs.

''We successfully treated it and it is now rehabilitated in Bannerghatta Wildlife Sanctuary near Bangalore,'' he said.

The tiger weighing more than 100 kgs was trapped in South Kodagu by forest officials on Monday and brought to Mysore.

Straying from its habitat in Nagarhole National Park, it had created terror among villagers by killing 32 heads of cattle.

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