Union MoS Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh Reviews Animal Conservation and Welfare Initiatives at National Zoological Park, New Delhi

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, visited the National Zoological Park, New Delhi today. During the visit, he reviewed key animal enclosures and ongoing conservation and welfare initiatives at the zoo.

White Tiger Enclosure

The Minister visited the white tiger enclosure, where he named two female white tiger cubs born in March 2024 as ‘Durga’ and ‘Devi’. The cubs are the offspring of female white tigress ‘Sita’ and male white tiger ‘Vijay’. He also released ‘Durga’ into the exhibit arena for visitor viewing for the first time.

Asiatic Lion Cubs

Shri Singh reviewed the care and management of two Asiatic lion cubs, one male and one female, born in April 2025. The cubs were formally named ‘Kartik’ and ‘Karni’. They are the offspring of female lioness ‘Mahagauri’ and male lion ‘Maheshwar’.

Elephant Enclosure and Zoo Hospital

The Minister visited the elephant enclosure to assess the management and welfare of the two Asian elephants, Raj Laxmi and Heera Gaj. He later inspected the zoo hospital, where a tiger cub born in July 2025 is currently housed, and enquired about its care, health status, and welfare measures.

Animal Welfare and Management Suggestions

Shri Singh offered suggestions for strengthening winter management practices for animals across the zoo. He also discussed future activities aimed at improving animal welfare and visitor experience with the zoo officials.

Current Animal Population

The zoo currently houses six white tigers (2 male and 4 female) – Sita, Vijay Jr., Vyom, Avni, Durga, and Devi; six lions (3 male and 3 female) – Sundram, Shailza, Maheshwar, Mahagauri; and eight Royal Bengal tigers (3 male, 4 female, and 1 cub) – Karan, Siddhi, Aditi, Dhairya, Dhatri, Hari, Sanatan, and one cub.