Shivamogga zoo takes up behaviour study of a tigress with psychologists
The Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari collaborated with psychology students to study the behavior of a rescued tigress. The research utilized systematic desensitization and exposure therapy to help the animal adapt to human presence.
Why it matters
Applying psychological research methods to animal welfare demonstrates an innovative approach to managing wildlife in captivity.
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.
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