White Tigress Radha Gives Birth, Zoo Sees Major Wildlife Attraction Boost
A joyful atmosphere has spread across Vadodara as the historic SayajiBaug Zoo welcomed a rare white tiger cub. White tigress Radha gave birth to cubs earlier this month, marking a major moment for the city’s wildlife conservation efforts and creating excitement among animal lovers and visitors.
The birth took place during the early hours of April 9, 2026, just a few months after the white tiger pair — Radha and Vallabh — were brought to the zoo from Rajkot in December 2025. Zoo officials confirmed that while three cubs were born, only one cub has survived and is currently under special neonatal care.
This development is being seen as a major milestone, especially since white tigers returned to SayajiBaug after nearly four decades.
White Tiger Family Grows at SayajiBaug Zoo
Radha’s First Pregnancy Brings Hope for Wildlife Conservation
Zoo authorities described the birth as a rare and significant event. According to zoo curator the triplet birth itself was surprising because it was Radha’s first pregnancy and she is still a young tigress.
Officials stated that:
- One cub was stillborn
- The second cub did not survive within 48 hours
- One cub survived and is now under expert medical care
The surviving cub weighed around 650 grams at birth and has now crossed 700 grams due to constant feeding and monitoring by veterinary staff.This successful survival has brought hope that SayajiBaug Zoo may soon become a stronger center for white tiger conservation.
Special Medical Team Monitoring Mother and Cub
CCTV Surveillance and Neonatal Care in Place
Zoo officials have deployed a dedicated veterinary team for the newborn cub and mother Radha.
The cub is currently being kept in a climate-controlled neonatal care unit where:
- Veterinary staff hand-feed the cub every few hours
- Special milk formula is used to match tigress milk nutrition
- Growth, urine, and stool patterns are regularly monitored
- Continuous CCTV observation is being maintained
Initially, the cub remained with Radha for two days. However, experts later advised separation because the first-time mother was unable to provide complete feeding support. Officials clarified that such behavior is common among first-time big cat mothers.
Tiger Pair Was Brought from Rajkot in December 2025
The white tiger pair, Radha and Vallabh, were brought to SayajiBaug Zoo from Rajkot in December 2025 under an animal exchange program.
This marked the return of white tigers to Vadodara after nearly 40 years.
In exchange, the zoo sent several exotic bird species to Rajkot, including:
- Blue-and-gold Macaw
- Black Swan
- Eclectus Parrot
- Ring-neck Pheasant
- Amazon Parrots
The pair was later placed on public display in January 2026 after completing mandatory quarantine procedures.
Their arrival had already generated strong public interest, and now the birth of the cub has further increased excitement.
Tourist Attraction Expected to Rise
Visitors Likely to Increase at SayajiBaug
The birth of the white tiger cub is expected to significantly boost tourism at SayajiBaug Zoo.
White tigers are considered a major attraction because of their rare appearance and public curiosity. Families, students, and wildlife enthusiasts are expected to visit the zoo in larger numbers in the coming weeks.
Zoo officials believe this development will:
- Increase footfall at the zoo
- Improve awareness about wildlife conservation
- Strengthen public interest in animal breeding programs
For Vadodara residents, the white tiger cub has become a symbol of pride and excitement.
A New Star Attraction for Vadodara
The arrival of the white tiger cub at SayajiBaug Zoo has brought happiness and renewed attention to wildlife conservation in Vadodara.
Although only one of the triplet cubs survived, the successful care and recovery of the newborn is being celebrated as a major achievement for zoo authorities. With Radha and her cub under constant supervision, visitors now have a new reason to visit the city’s historic zoo.
After 40 years, the return of white tigers to SayajiBaug has already made headlines—and now, the birth of this cub has made the story even more special.
Also read, Vadodara Municipal Corporation Election Special 2026
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