New Town Mini Zoo could welcome its first tiger in 2027 summer, giving residents a new reason to visit the local attraction. Alongside that announcement, its young giraffe calf has received a name: Titli.
West Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon outlined the tiger arrival target during a visit on Friday.
One tiger is planned initially, with Bengal Safari Park in Siliguri identified as the likely source.
What is different about this tiger plan?
According to reports, the tiger enclosure is almost ready, with some finishing work still pending.
More than 70 per cent of the enclosure is open space, with a cave-like shelter for resting. Glass and iron barriers will separate visitors from the tiger, with an electrified safety barrier along the top of the fencing.
The area will also be cleared of potentially dangerous metal debris before the animal is moved in.
There is a reason to watch how this plan progresses.
During the previous government, earlier proposals to bring a tiger here in 2023 and 2024 did not materialise. This time, the minister inspected the enclosure, but the application for Central Zoo Authority permission will follow completion of the remaining work.
When will visitors be able to see the tiger?
That date has not been announced. April–May 2027 is the stated target for bringing the animal to New Town, rather than a confirmed public viewing date.
The reported transfer plan involves the necessary permissions from the Central Zoo Authority, final enclosure safety checks and a quarantine period after arrival. Veterinary staff will monitor the tiger while it settles into its new surroundings.
For families planning a trip specifically to see the big cat, the next announcement to watch is when it will actually go on public display.
Meanwhile, meet Titli – New Town Zoo’s giraffe calf
The same visit brought a name for the zoo’s giraffe calf. Oraon named it Titli, following a suggestion from its handlers, the report said.
Born on 28 July, the calf is the offspring of resident giraffes Ramu and Sonia, which came to New Town Zoo from Alipore Zoo in 2022.
The two developments give residents something to look forward to: a young giraffe with a new name, and a target for the zoo’s first tiger. The arrival and public viewing schedule will need further confirmation.
Featured image: AI-generated representative illustration. It is not a photograph of Titli, the planned tiger or the actual zoo enclosure.