The Final Walk of Arrowhead: Ranthambore’s Legendary Tigress Bids Farewell
The jungles of Ranthambore National Park, a crown jewel of India’s wildlife heritage, have fallen silent with the passing of one of its most iconic residents—Tigress Arrowhead (T-84). On June 19, 2025, this majestic predator, known for her grace, strength, and fearless spirit, took her final breath after a prolonged battle with bone cancer. A heart-wrenching video capturing her last walk near Padam Talab has left wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers across the country emotional. The video, which went viral, is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life, even for the mightiest in the wild.
A Legacy of Royalty
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Arrowhead was no ordinary tigress. Born in 2014 to Tigress Krishna (T-19) and the granddaughter of the legendary Machhli (T-16), often called the “Queen of Ranthambore,” Arrowhead carried a lineage that embodied the spirit of the jungle. Her distinctive arrow-shaped marking on her forehead made her easily recognisable, and her commanding presence in Zones 2, 3, and 4 of Ranthambore National Park earned her the title of the park’s reigning queen.
Like her grandmother, who was famed for her crocodile-hunting prowess, Arrowhead too made headlines when a video of her taking down a crocodile went viral recently, cementing her reputation as a fierce hunter. For those who followed her journey, Arrowhead was more than just a tigress—she was a symbol of resilience and wild grace.
Wildlife photographer Sachin Rai, who had documented her life since she was a cub, described her as a “testament to resilience.” In his emotional post titled “The Final Walk of a Legend,” he recounted watching her struggle to take a few weak steps near Padam Talab on June 17, before collapsing under a tree. “In that quiet moment, I knew the end was near,” he wrote, capturing the heartbreak of witnessing the decline of a once-powerful predator.
A Life Well-Lived
Arrowhead’s life was nothing short of extraordinary. Over her 11 years, she gave birth to 10 cubs, six of whom survive, ensuring her legacy lives on in the jungles of Ranthambore. Her last litter was born in 2023, a testament to her enduring strength as a mother. Even in her final days, battling advanced bone cancer, she displayed remarkable grit.
Just days before her death, she was spotted hunting a crocodile—an act that wildlife enthusiast Anirudh Laxmipathy described as a “testament to her indomitable resilience.” His viral post sharing his encounter with the frail yet fierce tigress moved thousands of netizens.
The timing of Arrowhead’s passing added an emotional layer to her story. On the same day she died, her daughter, Kankati (T-2507), was relocated to the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, marking the end of an era for Ranthambore. A tribute stated, “She was the pride of our forest.” Forest officials, guides, and wildlife enthusiasts gathered to offer floral tributes before her cremation, conducted as per NTCA protocol.
A Void in Ranthambore’s Heart
For regular visitors to Ranthambore, Arrowhead was a familiar and cherished presence. Surya Sadasivan, a senior public policy professional and wildlife enthusiast, shared her memories of seeing Arrowhead as a young tigress. “She embodied the spirit of a true wild tigress—fierce, graceful, and resilient till the very end,” she said.
The Ranthambore Nature Guide Association, along with countless others, mourned the loss of a tigress who had become synonymous with the park’s wild beauty. Photographer Aishwarya Sridhar, who had the privilege of spending an hour with Arrowhead and her male cub during a visit in May 2025, expressed her grief. “Ranthambore may never be the same again,” she said, echoing the sentiments of many who felt the jungle had lost a part of its soul.
A Call to Cherish Our Wildlife
Arrowhead’s passing is not just the loss of a single tigress but a reminder of the fragility of life in the wild. Ranthambore, one of India’s premier tiger reserves, continues to be a beacon of conservation, thanks to efforts that have helped preserve the legacy of tigers like Machhli and Arrowhead. However, her death underscores the need to protect our wildlife and their habitats from threats like disease, human encroachment, and climate change.
As we bid farewell to Arrowhead, let us celebrate her life—a journey of strength, motherhood, and unmatched courage. Her final walk, captured so poignantly on camera, will remain etched in the hearts of those who loved her. Ranthambore may be quieter now, but the spirit of its queen will forever roam its jungles.
Rest in peace, Arrowhead. You were, and always will be, the pride of Ranthambore.
~: Thank You 😊 :~
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