The famous Tigress ‘Arrowhead’ (T-84) in the Ranthambore National Park and the granddaughter of legendary tigress ‘Machhli’, passed away at the age of 14 due to a brain tumour on Thursday, according to forest officials.
Arrowhead recently made headlines after a video of her hunting a crocodile went viral, with netizens remembering the hunting prowess of Machhli, one of the most photographed tigress often referred to as the “Queen of Ranthambore" and “Crocodile Hunter".
Her death came hours after her daughter ‘Kankati’ was relocated by the forest department after she reportedly killed two people.
“With a heavy heart, we share the heartbreaking news from Ranthambore. Tigress Arrowhead (T-84), the pride of our forest daughter of Krishna and grand daughter of legendary Machli, has passed away," said the official account of the Ranthambore National Park.
“Just hours after her daughter RBT 2507 was relocated to Mukundra, Arrowhead took her last breath. She had been bravely battling bone cancer for a long time. Arrowhead was more than just a tigress — she was a symbol of grace, strength, and motherly spirit. Her legacy will live on through her cubs and in the hearts of all wildlife lovers."
Wildlife enthusiasts, including members of the Ranthambore Nature Guide Association, gathered to offer floral tributes to Arrowhead on Thursday. “Arrowhead carried forward the legacy of Machhli, both in spirit and strength," Shakir Ali, a senior guide in the tiger reserve, said.
Arrowhead had displayed her trademark ferociousness just two days ago, when she took down a crocodile near Padam Talab. Witnesses described Arrowhead waiting motionless by the water’s edge, blending into her surroundings, before suddenly launching a surprise assault. The encounter quickly escalated into a violent, one-minute clash, ending with the crocodile killed by her crushing bite.
Users on social media paid tributes to the ‘Queen of Ranthambore’. A user wrote, “Tigress Arrowhead is no more. Her passing marks the end of a bold and unforgettable chapter in Ranthambore’s wild history."
