Jaipur: Tigers in Ranthambhore National Park have no peculiar name. They are known by numbers by distinct stripes shape but Machli the world’s oldest and most photographed tigress who died on Thursday after a prolonged illness was an exception.
Queen of Ranthambhore, Lady of the Lakes, and Crocodile killer are just some of the names attributed to her but Machli got stuck to her because of a piscine marking on her face.
Machli had turned 20 in May this year, a rare thing because on an average, tigers in the wild said to live for 10-15 years. But, her health had been on a decline for last few years particularly after she lost most of her teeth and the use of one eye making it difficult for her to hunt.
In fact, two years ago it was feared that Rantha-mbore’s tiger queen had died of old age or had been poached after she went missing on January 9. But, the big cat was spotted by forest officials after a massive search operation lasting 26 days although they found her much weaker than before.
But, ton Thursday her death was confirmed by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje in a tweet: Sad to know of Ranthambore’s iconic tigress Machli passing away.
Machli gave visitors stories to remember — her bloodline reigns supreme in valleys & glades of the park. According to forest officials, she had been refusing food and water for some time. She was under observation at Ama Ghati, in the fringe area of the reserve.
Machli who became everyone’s favourite for her “tourist friendly” nature was also a fierce fighter. Subject of numerous films and documentaries many of her glorious moments were caught on camera that earned her international fame.
