24 Dec, 2019

Kanha’s Star Tiger Munna Shifted from Quarantine to Enclosure in Van Vihar National Park

Munna, one of the most photographed tigers of India was shifted from Kanha National Park to the quarantine of Van Vihar National Park and Zoo in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on 24 October 2019. Now the 17-year old tiger has been shifted from quarantine to enclosure on 22 December 2019.

In case you didn’t know

During his stay in Kanha National Park, Munna had killed a 14-year-old girl on October 18. Earlier than this, he also attacked a man in the thicket close to Kanha Tiger Reserve. For this reason, Munna was shifted from Kanha National Park to the quarantine of Van Vihar. To this, the veterinarian of Van Vihar Atul Gupta said, Munna has been looking around curiously but gradually he will adjust to the new environs. Detailing Munna’s predicament in the wild, Atul also added, the inability to hunt prey due to old age led Munna to attack humans for easier prey.

Since the time he has been shifted to the quarantine of Van Vihar, the wildlife experts were monitoring Munna and after all the examination was done, the veterinary doctors recommended to shift Munna to normal enclosure three weeks ago.

Is it possible to catch the sight of Munna?

The officials of Van Vihar said that the enclosure where Munna has been shifted is located on the safari route. For this reason, people looking to travel on this route with their own vehicle or walking on the pedestrian path is strictly prohibited. However, as there are no restrictions on the safari tours, so tourists visiting Van Vihar National Park for the safari will opportunity to catch the sight of the majestic tiger Munna of Kanha National Park.

How many tigers are there in Van Vihar?

In total, there are 5 tigers and 5 tigresses between the age group of 6 and 17 years. Munna being 17-year old, is currently the oldest in Van Vihar. In regard to this, the deputy director of Van Vihar said, the average age of tiger and tigress living in the forests is 15 years. Whereas, those living in the national parks and zoo has an average age of 20 years. The reason behind the age difference of the tigers living in the forest and the ones living in a national park or zoo is such that in the jungle, tigers have to hunt whereas tigers living in the park gets the right treatment at the time of ill health or any other issues.

About Van Vihar National Parks

A hidden gem of Bhopal, Van Vihar National Park is a blend of rich wetland areas, rugged slopes, rich floral and faunal diversity. Even though the national park remains to be less explored but it is surely a must-visit tourists attraction that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Bhopal. What makes Van Vihar stand out is being a combination of national park, a zoo, Conservation Breeding Centre for selected vital species and Rescue Centre for wild animals. In addition to this, a trip  to the national park can be planned all throughout the year, but Van Vihar turns out to be a wonderful place especially during the winter season with a troop of migratory birds. Also, the parks, unlike other national parks, remain open during the monsoon season as well.