Patna: Four tiger cubs born at Patna Zoo made their first public appearance on Wednesday after being named Purnima, Srishti, Rudra and Tejas during the state-level celebrations of International Tiger Day 2026. The cubs, born to tigers Nakul and Sangeeta on February 20, 2026, were officially named by state environment, forest and climate change minister Ram Chandra Prasad, who later released them into the enclosure for visitors to see.With the addition of four cubs, Patna Zoo’s tiger population has increased to 10, comprising four males – Nakul, Badshah and two cubs – and six females – Sangeeta, Bhavani, Rani, Durga and two cubs. The zoo now houses five white tigers and five standard orange tiger with black stripes.Addressing the gathering at the zoo’s 3D theatre, the minister said the tiger is India’s national animal and an invaluable part of the country’s natural heritage. “Conserving tigers is crucial not only for protecting biodiversity but also for maintaining the ecological balance of forests,” he said.Stressing that tiger conservation is a shared responsibility, he praised the department and the Patna Zoo administration for their sustained efforts in wildlife conservation, successful breeding, modern veterinary care and public awareness.Before the main programme, the minister inspected the tiger enclosure, visited a children’s painting exhibition organised as part of the celebrations and interacted with visitors. He later honoured veterinarians, animal keepers and zoo workers involved in caring for the tiger cubs by presenting them with certificates of appreciation. Winners of the state-level painting competition were also felicitated.Aparajita Kumari of St Karen’s High School secured first place in Category A (Classes I and II), Aarohi Singh of St Michael’s High School topped Category B (Classes III to V), Kritika Amrit of SKHS won Category C (Classes VI to VIII), while Rishita Singh of St Karen’s High School emerged first in Category D (Classes IX and X).In his welcome address, Patna Zoo director Hemant Patil said the presence of tigers is an indicator of a healthy forest ecosystem. He highlighted the rise in India’s tiger population, conservation efforts in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, and the success of Patna Zoo’s conservation breeding programme.Bihar state biodiversity board chairperson Bharat Jyoti said the zoo’s record of housing 53 tigers over 53 years, including 36 cubs born in captivity, reflects Bihar’s commitment to wildlife conservation, while its highest tiger population stood at 12 during 1995-96.The programme was attended by additional chief secretary Anand Kishor, principal chief conservator of forests (HoFF) Arvinder Singh, special secretary Alok Kumar, chief conservator of forests Amit Kumar, conservator of forests Satyajit Kumar, personal secretary to the minister Ravish Kishore, senior departmental officials and Patna Zoo staff.
