Badal & Bijli to roar back life into Ludhiana Zoo tiger safari

May 6, 2026

Ludhiana, Punjab: The tiger safari at Ludhiana Zoo is set for a major revival, with a new pair of Royal Bengal tigers—Badal and Bijli—expected to become the star attraction for visitors by the end of May.

The two young tigers, aged between two and five years, have been successfully acquired and their arrival has generated renewed excitement among wildlife enthusiasts and regular visitors.

The safari had remained closed since December 15, 2024, following the death of Aman due to age-related complications. Aman had been brought earlier in March 2024 from Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park. His death left the enclosure without a tiger, leading to a prolonged shutdown of the safari facility.

Officials confirmed that the new tiger pair (one male and one female) has been acquired from Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park, Nagpur, Maharashtra.

The transfer was completed under the supervision of senior forest officials, including the Chief Wildlife Warden of Punjab Basanta Raj Kumar, Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Parks & Protected Area Circle Punjab, S.A.S. Nagar Vishal Chauhan and Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife) Phillaur Vikram Singh Kundra, ensuring adherence to all safety and conservation protocols.

Authorities stated that the addition of Badal and Bijli will significantly enhance the appeal of the zoo’s popular tiger safari. Visitors will soon be able to observe the majestic animals in a naturalistic habitat, which is expected to boost footfall while also promoting awareness about wildlife conservation.

The development marks an important step in strengthening the zoo’s conservation and education initiatives. Officials indicated that preparations are underway to reopen the safari to the public shortly after the acclimatisation of the animals is complete.

Over the years, Ludhiana Zoo has witnessed several setbacks with the loss of big cats. In 2024, a tiger named Nav died of septicemia, a severe bloodstream infection. Earlier, Chirag passed away in 2023 due to old age, while Money and Icchran died of natural causes in 2020.

Deepak had succumbed to age-related decline in 2019. The zoo also faced a major crisis in 2013 when two tigresses, Mohini and Elaichi, died after contracting a bacterial infection reportedly spread by rodents.

With the arrival of the new pair, authorities are hopeful of a fresh beginning for the zoo’s tiger safari.