RIP Machhli: 5 iconic images of the world's most photographed tigress
The 'queen of Ranthambore National Park', Machhli, is no more. The longest surviving tigress, who turned 20 this year, passed away after she was reported to be ill over the last few days. She earned the crown for being the most photographed tigress in the world.
Mother to 11 tigers, Machhli (also known as T-16) was born in 1997. Not much is known about her parents, except that her mother had a fish-shaped mark on her face, which is how she got the name Machhli (meaning fish).
The tigress was reported lying in a semi-conscious state, refusing to eat since the last four days.
In memory of the beautiful Machhli, here are 5 iconic images:
1. Machhli was often spotted near the water body in Ranthambore, which is why she was also called the "lady of the lake".
2. Macchli is famous for her fight with a 120-foot-long crocodile. She apparently killed the crocodile and even lost a couple of teeth in the bout.
3. The average life term of a tiger is about 12 to 13 years. Machhli, who turned 20 this year, was almost as old as a 120 year old human being.
4. Machhli, known to be a ferocious mother, had 11 offsprings - seven females and four males. She was responsible for increasing the tiger population in Ranthambore.
5. In 2015, she won the "Lifetime Achievement Award" of Travel Operators For Tigers, for her contribution to conservation and tourist attraction.
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