jungle jail
Kerala is calling it a new hospice, but in reality it is nothing more than a jungle jail. In Kozhikode, a second centre is being built to house eight tigers or leopards, while the earlier facility in Wayanad already cages seven. Officials say it is for old or injured animals, but the truth is simpler: Kerala is taking more tigers out of the wild.
Why? Because their natural prey base has collapsed under the weight of endless tea and coffee plantations, pushed forward by owners with strong political ties. Tigers are forced toward cattle and people — then captured. Instead of restoring forests and corridors, the state prefers to confine its big cats behind bars.
A tiger is not a sick patient waiting for palliative care. It is the keeper of order in its territory. Build more jungle jails, and Kerala will end up with fewer wild tigers and more excuses for politicians.
The jungle jail article
Based on New Indian Express, India
Photo via New Indian Express.
