Gopal
Year of arrival: 2014
Age at the time of arrival: 6 years old
Sex: Male
Personality traits: Shy, reclusive; Gopal is extremely wary of humans
Recognisable features: Asymmetrical eyebrows
Facility: Bannerughatta Tiger Sanctuary, Bangalore
Favourite activities: Relaxing in his pool and engaging with various enrichments
Background: Gopal, a wild tiger roaming free in the Nagarahole National Park was a victim of human-wildlife conflict and eventually had to be rescued and shifted to a safe place to protect him from an angry mob. Gopal now resides in a forested enclosure at the Bannerughatta Tiger Sanctuary in Karnataka, managed by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Bannerughatta Biological Park and the Born Free Foundation.
GOPAL’S STORY
Gopal has been in our care and protection since he was six years old. Due to the negative interaction resulting from conflict, he cannot be released in to the wild. He enjoys his large, forested enclosure in solitary splendor. He loves the various climbing structures made from large wooden logs that our team created for his entertainment in his enclosure. Gopal receives regular health check-ups from our team of veterinarians.
Once a wild tiger caught in conflict, Gopal now lives safely at Bannerughatta Tiger Sanctuary, where he is cared for by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with Bannerughatta Biological Park and with the support of the Karnataka Forest Department and the Born Free Foundation. He thrives within the 8-acre facility that has been specially designed for him and spends his days lounging in his spacious and safe enclosure. Several enrichments in his field, like pools, platforms and foliage enable him to retain and groom his wild instincts.
Gopal is under geriatric care and remains healthy and active. The Wildlife SOS veterinarians make sure to supplement his diet with probiotics and multivitamins to ensure that he remains healthy.
