Queen of Ranthambore, Machli, most photographed tigress dies
Machli, the Queen of Ranthambore, one of the oldest tigresses in the world, is no more. The legendary tigress, who turned 20 this year, breathed her last on Thursday (August 18) morning.
Here is a heart-breaking video of the tigress breathing her last:
For wildlife enthusiasts and Ranthambore regulars, Machli needs no introduction. Ruling the wilderness of the Ranthambore National Park for the past two decades, she was mother to nearly 50 per cent of the tiger population in Ranthambore and Sariska.
Probably one of the oldest living tigers, she was a photographer's delight and was one of the most photographed tigers in the world.
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| Machli was one of the oldest living tigers in the world. (Photo: Harsh Nagpal) |
Officials said the tigress, who once killed a 14-foot crocodile, had not eaten for the past five days. According to reports, Machli or T-16, as she was codenamed, had brought in more than $10 million (approximately Rs 67 crore) a year to the national park over the past 10 years.
The tigress inherited her name from her mother, who had a mark resembling a fish on her left cheek.
Anurag Sharma, of Tigerwalah, a professional wildlife travel and destination management company, told India Today that Machli had localised her movement to a small stretch, and that she'd lost her canines fighting and feasting on alligators and due to old age.
Ranthambore regulars, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and tourists expressed their grief on social media and shared some memorable pictures of the tigress.
19 year old #Machli finally succumbed to old age ending her #love affair with #Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. A #Legendary tigress she has been!
— Kamalika Basu (@KamalikaBasu) August 18, 2016
We regret to announce the sad demise of Machli, the famous Tigress of #Ranthambhore. ???? #RIP #Machli #Tigress #news pic.twitter.com/cudsMhb61E
— themensa (@themensaindia) August 18, 2016
"Cry not that I have passed - Celebrate the life that I lived."Machli, 1996-18th August 2016RIP dearest queen! pic.twitter.com/JnNybCubqB
— Archna Singh (@archnasingh) August 18, 2016
RIP Machli the oldest most famous and fabulous tigress in India - painting by Vijay Kumawat pic.twitter.com/l8gg17lU6Z
— Emma Leuw (@emmyleuw) August 18, 2016
RIP #Machli ..Heard lots of stories from relatives...always wanted to see her..but i guess i wasnt lucky enough....
— Esha (@OhMyKohli_18) August 18, 2016
Very sad to know, the Queen of Tigers, Ranthambore's #Machli (T-16) is no more - world's most photographed tigress pic.twitter.com/53VnPypUMh
— PrashanthSangannavar (@Sangannavar) August 18, 2016
Queen of Ranthambore, Tigress 'Machli' Is No More! The Most Photographed Tigerss! pic.twitter.com/SYI5Ao025F
— ArunachalaM (@ArunbuddyAP) August 18, 2016
Machli was not only the oldest tigress in the world, but also the mightiest. It was the pride of the jungle, burning bright #ranthambore
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) August 18, 2016
RIP machli :queen tigress of ranthambhore
— pallavi ghosh (@_pallavighosh) August 18, 2016
Machli, the longest surviving tiger in the wild, has passed away. https://t.co/NhSdPLpPdd pic.twitter.com/zqp0sn5gVo
— Aaron Pereira (@aaronpereira) August 18, 2016