Legendary tigress Machli, who was also the world’s oldest tigress, died on Thursday in Ranthambore National Park after a prolonged illness.
She was 19 years old, which is 4-5 years higher than the average life span of tigers. She was named Machali because of marks on her face that resembled a fish.
Machali had stopped eating in the last few days and was found in indisposed condition five days ago, She breathed her last at 9:52 am on Thursday.
When she was, Machali enjoyed a celebrity status. She was not only the most photographed tigress but also had several documentaries on her name and a postal stamp as well.Machali even has a Facebook fan page to her credit.
Machali was also a priced treasure for the forest reserve as she was contributing about Rs 65 crore a year as tourism revenue to the National Park for the last 10 years. She was also a mother to 11 tiger cubs, seven females and four males.
Known for her fierce nature once, she lost her canines during a fight with a crocodile. Since then she was given baits to ensure she was well fed.
Hemraj Meena, a guide and naturalist at Ranthambore says that there would be a proper cremation for Machali because of her contributions to the reserve. She was like a ‘godmother’ to the entire reserve, he said.
All guides and forest staff want a proper cremation for her just like we would do for any other family member.Hemraj Meena
She was a big crowd-puller and, hence, even the Rajasthan government used to keep a tab on her well-being because she was India’s celebrity tiger. In fact in early 2014, she was thought to be dead, spreading panic when she was not spotted for close to 26 days but soon she emerged.Forest Official
Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia took to Twitter to express her condolences.
(With Inputs from The Hindu, DNA and Mid Day)
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