Shivamogga zoo takes up behaviour study of a tigress with psychologists
The authorities of Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari (Shivamogga zoo) conducted a behavioural study of a tigress rescued from a human-animal conflict area, in collaboration
The authorities of Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari (Shivamogga zoo) conducted a behavioural study of a tigress rescued from a human-animal conflict area, in collaboration with Kateel Ashok Pai Memorial College (KAPMC) here, an exercise that has helped zoo staff handle the animal. The study, conducted in 2025, formed part of the dissertation of Anikethana S., pursuing his MSc. in Psychology at KAPMC, under the guidance of Tejeshwar Dhananjaya, a faculty member with specialisation in animal behaviour. V.M. Amarakshara, Executive Director of the zoo, suggested that the student take up the study on the tigress, Poornima, who was rescued following a human-animal conflict in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The animal exhibited agonistic behaviour whenever visitors or zoo keepers approached her enclosure.
The student and his guide observed the animal for about two months and worked out a set of strategies. Mr. Dhananjaya, who has trained under noted primatologist Mewa Singh, applied systematic desensitisation and exposure therapy as part of the study. “We used to observe the animal regularly from a distance at her enclosure. Gradually, we reduced the distance, and we could sense the changes in its behaviour,” Mr. Anikethana said. For several days, only he and his teacher stood near the enclosure. Whenever a third person was present, the animal’s attention would shift to that person. “It was roaring, pouncing on the glass viewing wall, growling and pacing as humans approached. We noted its behaviour and response at the beginning and as the study progressed,” he said.
Consistent, motionless and silent observation was part of the exposure therapy, which allowed the animal to habituate at her own pace within the enclosure. The study documented a steady positive shift, with reduced negative behaviour and better adaptation. Archana Bhat K., Head of the Department of Psychology at KAPMC, said the study was taken up as part of the dissertation. “Research is an integral part of the course at Kuvempu University. The Executive Director of the zoo suggested the subject, and our student, with the guidance of our faculty member who is an expert in animal behaviour, conducted the study,” she said. Amarakshara told The Hindu that the behavioural study was conducted with the support of the Department of Psychology of KAPMC.
“We have been doing animal behaviour analysis at the zoo. Our biologists and naturalists do that. This particular observational study was conducted by psychologists using their own tools as part of scientific enrichment. We noticed changes in her conduct — there was a reduction in stress and aggressiveness. After the study, we put the animal in the display area for some time. Now, we have shifted her back to the safari, as we have received new tigers for the display area,” he said.
The BriefWire