Dehradun Zoo has welcomed an unusual new resident. Tejas, a striking white tiger with blue eyes and dark stripes, has arrived from Gwalior Zoological Park after travelling around 556 kilometres by road. The arrival makes him Uttarakhand’s first white tiger.
Tejas Arrives Under Tiger Exchange Programme
The tiger was transferred as part of an exchange programme between Dehradun Zoo and Gwalior Zoological Park. In return, Dehradun sent its nearly five-year-old Royal Bengal tiger Bhola to Gwalior.
Officials said the exchange is intended to support wildlife diversity and conservation efforts at both facilities.
A 556-Km Road Journey
Tejas travelled in a specially designed rescue vehicle, accompanied by a 13-member team that included veterinarians and forest officials. The journey reportedly took between 12 and 14 hours, with his health and behaviour monitored throughout the trip.
Why Tejas Is Special
Tejas stands out for his white coat, dark stripes and bright blue eyes. White tigers are not a separate species or breed. Their distinctive colouring is linked to a rare genetic trait, and they retain the characteristic stripes associated with Bengal tigers.
Visitors Will Have to Wait
Although Tejas has already reached his new home, visitors will not be able to see him immediately. Zoo officials plan to keep him in quarantine for around 20 days while monitoring his health, diet, behaviour and adjustment to the new surroundings.
The zoo expects the tiger to be available for public viewing after his adjustment period, with officials indicating that visitors may have to wait around a month.
A New Attraction for Dehradun Zoo
Tejas’ arrival is expected to add another attraction for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Dehradun. The zoo, located near the foothills of the Shivalik range, is already a popular stop for tourists heading towards Mussoorie.
Once his quarantine and observation period are completed, the rare-looking tiger could become one of the zoo’s most closely watched residents.
