In a somber moment for wildlife enthusiasts, the iconic ‘Lame Tigress’ PN-20 has passed away in Madhya Pradesh’s Pench Tiger Reserve. This venerable tigress, born in 2008, lived an extraordinary 18 years, setting a record for longevity in the reserve.
Discovered lifeless near Munara Camp in the Karmajhiri range on Saturday morning around 10:30 AM, PN-20’s death was attributed to old age and physical frailty. She was last sighted by tourists on March 6, captivating visitors with her resilient spirit despite a congenital deformity in her front paw that earned her the affectionate nickname.
PN-20, sister to the world-famous ‘Collarwali’ tigress, roamed nearly 70% of the Karmajhiri area. Her distinctive limp made her a favorite among safari-goers, turning her into a living legend. Even in her twilight years, she survived by scavenging kills left by younger tigers and leopards.
Over her lifetime, PN-20 mothered 10 cubs, significantly boosting the tiger population in Pench and surrounding regions. Her litters included two females in December 2012, three cubs (one male, two females) in 2016, four males in 2019, and one female in 2021. Each of these offspring carved out territories, ensuring her legacy endures.
Reserve officials honored her with a dignified farewell, conducting a post-mortem by senior wildlife veterinarians as per NTCA guidelines before cremation. The passing of this record-breaking matriarch marks the end of an era, but her contributions to tiger conservation will inspire generations.
Pench Tiger Reserve management expressed profound grief, highlighting PN-20’s role in drawing tourists and promoting biodiversity. As tributes pour in, her story reminds us of the delicate balance of life in the wild.