Ramnagar/Dehradun: For the last five years, Tiger Vikram has been in 'captivity' — not in the forest but at a rescue center in Dhela Range of Uttarakhand's Jim Corbett National Park, serving what many call a life sentence. The big cat is facing an almost similar punishment, just like criminals serve jail sentence for killing someone.
As per sources, three forest personnel including a sanitation worker were mauled to death in November 2019 in the Dhikala area, considered the most famous tourist zone in the Jim Corbett National Park. After the forest officials identified Vikram as the culprit, he was tranquilised and captured. The tiger was initially relocated to the Ranibagh Rescue Center in Haldwani and later shifted to the Dhela Range Rescue Center within Corbett. Since then, he has been in the same center.
Vikram is now aged around 18-19 years; his teeth are wearing out, but still he has managed to maintain his majestic stature. To meet his needs, officials designed a 600 sq metre enclosure, which features a water pool where he is often seen lounging. Vikram's diet includes meat supplemented with vitamins, minerals and seasonal nutrients, to maintain his good health. This apart, officials have ensured that regular health check-ups are conducted, and test samples are sent to the Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly for examination.