Amaravati, February 25, 2026: Andhra Pradesh's forest department has finalized arrangements to welcome two female tigers into Papikonda National Park in the Godavari Valley, Polavaram district.
The move follows Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister K. Pawan Kalyan's successful appeal to Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh governments, both of which agreed to supply the animals.
One tigress will come from Maharashtra's Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve the same landscape that the recently reintroduced male tiger "Explorer" originated from before his long dispersal and release on February 14. The second is expected from Madhya Pradesh.
Authorities have already boosted the prey base by introducing 39 deer to support Explorer, who is healthy, establishing territory, and ready for mates. Forest officials confirm the park is fully prepared, with airlifting planned soon to ease logistics.
