Bhopal, May 11 (ANI): A team of veterinarians successfully operated upon an 18-year-old tigress 'Rini' for a fibrous growth beneath her eye, in a two-hour long operation, in Bhopal on May 10.

The white tigress 'Rini' an inhabitant of the Van Vihar National Park was suffering from an unnatural growth in the shape of a mole just below the right eye.

The veterinary experts led by Dr. Atul Gupta, veterinary officer at the Van Vihar National Park along with Dr. Kadal Jadhav, veterinary expert from SOS Wild Life institute successfully operated the ailing tigress.

"Actually over the past several days the tigress has had a growth under her right eye that was proving incurable. So we had to resort to surgical intervention," said Dr. Atul Gupta.

Wildlife enthusiasts prayed for the success of the surgery.

Van Vihar National Park officials said that the condition of the white tigress was stable after the operation and it was responding properly after the treatment.

Van Vihar is the pride of Bhopal and is home to a number of animals, including white tiger, panther, lion and tigers.

But a total of six 'big cats' have died at regular intervals since October 2006. This includes two white tigers, one tigress, two tigers and one lion. The death of these cats has raised concerns over their healthcare management.

According to the latest census figures as of 2007, the tiger population in India is dwindling despite the development of special reserves under 'Project Tiger' launched in 1972.

The tiger population across the nation, particularly those outside protected reserves, faces a variety of threats, including habitat fragmentation, encroachment, and poaching and developmental projects. These problems are directly or indirectly linked to anthropogenic factors. (ANI)