In a somber moment for wildlife lovers and conservationists alike, Ranthambhore National Park bid farewell to one of its most iconic residents, Tigress Arrowhead (T-84), who passed away on June 19 after a remarkable 11-year reign in the forests of Rajasthan. Her death marks the end of an era that saw Arrowhead emerge as a symbol of grace, power, and maternal legacy in the wild. Born to the legendary Tigress Krishna (T-19), Arrowhead inherited her mother’s territory in Zone 3, a region replete with scenic lakes and historic ruins, making her one of the most frequently sighted and photographed big cats in the park. Over the years, she garnered a devoted following among wildlife photographers, park guides, and tourists who fondly referred to her as the “Queen of Lakes.”
The last confirmed sighting of Arrowhead was on June 17 near Padam Talab by veteran wildlife photographer Sachin Rai. According to Rai, the majestic tigress appeared noticeably frail, her ribs showing and her gait slow and labored. Concern was palpable among park authorities and wildlife watchers, who had been monitoring her sporadic movements for weeks.
“Arrowhead wasn’t just a tigress; she was an ambassador of Ranthambhore’s ecological richness and its conservation story,” said one forest official. “She taught us about survival, motherhood, and the fragile balance of life in the wild.”
During her prime, Arrowhead was not only admired for her striking appearance and confidence but also celebrated for raising multiple litters successfully—playing a vital role in keeping the park’s tiger population robust. Her legacy lives on through her offspring, who now patrol different territories of the reserve.
A forest patrol located her remains near a water body, and an autopsy confirmed natural causes as the reason for her death. Her age, declining health, and the harsh summer heat are believed to have contributed to her demise. As a standard procedure, her remains were cremated within park grounds with utmost reverence. The loss has sent ripples through the wildlife community. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes, photographs, and memories of her many awe-inspiring appearances. Tour guides recalled moments when she would stride confidently through the forest trails, unfazed by jeeps and onlookers—a calm queen in her natural court.
As the sun sets on Arrowhead’s majestic life, Ranthambhore mourns not just a tigress, but an emblem of wilderness herself. Her story is etched into the annals of India’s conservation efforts and the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to witness her sovereignty.Arrowhead may have vanished into the wild silence, but her roar will echo for generations.