India’s legendary tigress from Ranthambore, Machli dies at 20

The 20-years-old legendary tigress of Ranthombore, Machli passed away on Thursday after prolonged illness. According to reports, the tigress had not eaten for the last five days and was being monitored by a team of veterinaries and forest officials. Machli finally succumbed to old age today.

 

 

Also known as the ‘Queen of Ranthambore’ Machli reportedly crossed the average life expectancy of tigers which stands at 12-13 years and has given birth to eleven tiger cubs in her lifetime. Apart from being the most photographed tigress, she gained popularity for her fight with a 14-foot-long crocodile in the national park.

 

#Machhli's battle with crocodiles part of #Ranthambore lore..here's her most famous bout shot by @Jaisal_Singh https://t.co/LUakw9eXSm

— Gargi Rawat (@GargiRawat) August 18, 2016

 

Ever since then tourists consider their trip to the Ranthombore National park in Rajastan, incomplete without spotting the tigress. According to a report in the Indian Express, she was named after her mother and also because of the fish-shaped mark on her face.