White tiger Sharan’s death triggers allegations of negligence at Kakatiya Zoo
WARANGAL: A white male tiger, Sharan, one of the key attractions at Kakatiya Zoological Park, died in the early hours of Tuesday, with zoo authorities attributing the death to age-related complications. The animal was around 15 years old, slightly above the average lifespan of the species, officials said.
Zoo authorities, however, are facing allegations from wildlife activists who have questioned the transparency surrounding the animal’s death and the manner in which its funeral was conducted.
Zoo cites age-related illness, cardiac arrest
District forest officer Lavanya and forest range officer Mayuri said Sharan had been under continuous veterinary supervision for nearly two months. The tiger was being treated for age-related hypertension, cardiac issues and renal failure, and eventually suffered a fatal heart attack.
A post-mortem was conducted at the zoo by a veterinary team comprising Karunakar Reddy, veterinary assistant surgeon, Nagamani, assistant director, and Chandravathi, associate professor from Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Veterinary University. Samples of internal organs have been sent for laboratory analysis, and a final report will be submitted to the forest department headquarters.
Activists allege negligence, demand probe
Members of Orugallu Wildlife Society, led by Nageshwar Rao, alleged that the zoo authorities acted in haste by conducting the funeral without informing the media or non-governmental organisations. Rao told Reporter that the tiger appeared healthy just three days before its death.
He claimed that sudden vomiting and rapid organ failure raised the possibility of food poisoning or contaminated meat, and demanded an independent investigation into the animal’s sudden decline.
Tiger shifted from Hyderabad last year
Sharan was brought to Kakatiya Zoological Park in July 2025 from Nehru Zoological Park. Officials said the white tiger’s arrival significantly boosted visitor numbers during recent holidays.
In response to the allegations, forest department officials said the final post-mortem report would be made public after completion of laboratory tests.
