This news assumes new proportions of tragedy, especially after Machli's passing at Ranthambore last week. Karnataka's oldest surviving tigresses in captivity, Kruthika beat all odds on a long life. While most tigers in captivity go on to live about 17 years, Kruthika lived a majestic 19. But death is, alas, inevitable. The venerated tigress finally passed away, after putting up a brave fight against old age. Reported by The Hindu, Kruthika was a favourite among the staff at Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari near Shivamogga. Even the visitors loved her.
But over the past three months, the tigress's low appetite and an uncooperative digestive system added to her suffering. Kruthika's muscle atrophy had had her at the mercy of intravenous feeding, said Vinay S., the senior veterinary officer at Shivamogga Wildlife Division.
She finally breathed her last on Sunday. The tigress was laid to rest with proper final rites that were performed on the campus.
Kruthika was the daughter of Chamundi - the mother queen who too lived in the safari for over 19 years. Known as the "pride" of the safari, Kruthika birthed several cubs - the youngest of which still continue to live at the safari.