Shimla/Renuka Ji, September 20, 2026: In a major development for wildlife conservation and tourism in Himachal Pradesh, a pair of Royal Bengal Tigers has arrived at Shri Renuka Ji Zoo from Maharashtra, ending the state’s nearly 11-year wait for the majestic species.
The tiger pair reached the zoo at around 1:00 pm on Sunday after covering nearly 1,900 kilometres from Gorewada in Maharashtra. The male tiger is around five years old, while the female is approximately three years old.
The pair was brought to Himachal Pradesh under the supervision of a seven-member team led by Dr. Shahnawaz, IFS, DCF, Shimla Wildlife.
Preeti Bhandari, IFS, Aranyapal, Wildlife Circle Shimla South, said that an enclosure and other necessary facilities have been developed at a cost of around Rs. 1.67 crore, keeping in view the habitat requirements of the Royal Bengal Tigers.
She said the arrival of the tiger pair marks an important milestone in wildlife conservation in Himachal Pradesh and is expected to make Shri Renuka Ji Zoo a major attraction for tourists in the future.
Dr. Shahnawaz said approval for the wildlife exchange was received in August 2026, following which the process was initiated. Under the exchange programme, a pair of Red Junglefowl was sent from Shri Renuka Ji Zoo to the Tiger Rescue Centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra. In return, Himachal Pradesh received the Royal Bengal Tiger pair.
He said the wildlife exchange is particularly significant for Himachal Pradesh, as the presence of the Royal Bengal Tigers is expected to enhance the attraction of Renuka Ji Zoo for visitors. He expressed gratitude to all officers and officials whose coordinated efforts made the arrival of the tiger pair possible.
