Tigress T-84 (Arrowhead) Farewell Queen of Ranthambore National Park

This afternoon, heartbreaking news reached us: one of Ranthambore’s queens, the legendary tigress Arrowhead, has passed away.
Her death, which occurred this morning, marks the end of an era in the reserve. Her final days were filled with suffering. We could hear her crying, alone, as if she knew her time was running out.

Stricken by cancer, weakened but never defeated, Arrowhead remained dignified and courageous until the very end. Just last week, against all odds, she killed two crocodiles. An incredible feat that left us wondering—where did she find such strength? Perhaps in her maternal instinct, perhaps in that invisible bond with the jungle she so fiercely protected.

Her cubs had been taken from her after the deadly attacks within the park. For their safety—and for human safety—they were moved to the Bundi reserve, far from their mother. That heartbreak, she carried it with her until her last breath.

Arrowhead, you were a fierce queen, a protective mother, a force of nature. You gave me unforgettable moments, precious glimpses of raw beauty in the heart of the jungle you knew so well. I will never forget your gaze, nor the grace with which you moved through the tall grass.

Arrowhead’s world closes today in Ranthambore. But the jungle moves forward, still echoing with your footsteps, shaped by the legacy you leave behind.

Thank you, Arrowhead.
Fred, Ranthambore Tour Planner🐅

Farewell, Queen of Ranthambore – Tigress T-84 (Arrowhead)

The forests of Ranthambore are quieter today.

Arrowhead, known officially as T-84 and lovingly referred to as the Queen of Ranthambore, is no more. A majestic presence in the park and a symbol of strength and grace, she left an indelible mark on the landscape she ruled for years.

Arrowhead wasn’t just a tigress. She was a legacy. The daughter of the legendary Krishna (T-19), she carried forward a royal bloodline with pride. With her distinct arrow-shaped mark on the head and piercing gaze, she captivated the hearts of countless visitors, wildlife photographers, and forest staff alike.

Her final days were marked by struggle — a tumor had weakened her, and despite efforts from the forest department, her health continued to decline. Rest in peace, Arrowhead. Ranthambore will never forget its queen.

Om Shanti🙏 Lived like a Queen and died like a Queen as well!

RIP ARROWHEAD

You have given amazing memories

After the last human killing.. the dept stopped feeding arrow and family...
Whole family gone in days..3 translocated .... God knows anybody will see them ever and mother dead just hrs after kankati got translocated. .. the tigers mother and cubs bond exemplified
Now arrow lives in Riddhi and Sidhi and there cubs
Gone soon at around 11 yrs....
She was one tigress we all could recognize With a 🏹 mark on cheek
Legendary tales come to an end....

The Final Walk of a Legend: Tigress Arrowhead of Ranthambhore

On the evening of June 17th, I witnessed what would likely be the last walk of the legendary tigress ‘Arrowhead’ at the banks of Padam Talab; a place she had ruled with grace and strength for many years. It was heartbreaking to see her struggle, attempting to rise and take a few feeble steps before collapsing again. Each movement was a visible effort; even walking ten steps seemed an enormous task. Eventually, she reached a tree and lay beneath it. In that quiet moment, I knew in my heart that the end was near, just a matter of a day or two.

I have followed Arrowhead’s journey since she was a tiny cub. From those early days to watching her grow into a powerful tigress who claimed her mother’s territory, every chapter of her life was a testament to resilience. I saw her daughter, ‘Riddhi’, from her second litter (she had lost her first litter when they were young), eventually displace her from that very territory—an echo of nature’s unending cycle. I watched her confront new males like T120, and raise a fourth litter (she lost her third litter too) while fending off her now-dominant daughter. She lived a full and fiercely independent life—a true tigress in every sense.

Though we humans tried to assist her, especially during the difficult times when illness and weakness overtook her strength, helping her raise her second litter, it remains uncertain whether our interventions truly benefited the three cubs. Nature often has its own course.

But one thing is certain—Arrowhead leaves behind a legacy. She was a symbol of wild grace, of power tempered by patience, of survival against all odds. Ranthambhore will never forget her.

Farewell, Queen of the Wild 🐅

With a heavy heart, I bid goodbye to Tigress T-84 (Arrowhead), a true icon of Ranthambhore. A majestic soul who gifted countless unforgettable moments to us

She wasn’t just a tiger she was a symbol of grace, strength, and motherhood in the wild. Her presence enriched the landscape, and her story became a part of Ranthambhore’s legacy.

After a prolonged battle with a medical condition, her journey has come to an end. But her memories will forever echo in the jungles she once ruled.

Rest in peace, Arrowhead.
You will never be forgotten.

Om Shanti 💔😥🙏🏻

Famous tigress Arrowhead of Ranthambore merges with nature💐😥🙏🏻🐅

Tigress Arrowhead (T-84) also known by the nickname "Machli Junior" because of a distinctive arrow-shaped mark on her left cheek...

Arrowhead was first seen in March 2014 as a ~1½ year old.

Parents: Daughter of tigress T-19 "Krishna", herself a daughter of the famous Machli (T-16); father is presumed to be "Star Male" (T-28)

Its main territory has been Zone No. 2, 3, 4, 5 and especially around Nal-Ghati and Raj-Bagh lakes.

History of its cubs

First birthed two cubs on 22 February 2018, none of which survived.

For the second time on 2nd January 2019, she gave birth to two female cubs, T-124 Riddhi and T-125 Siddhi - both are well-known tigresses.

For the third time on 23rd July 2021, she gave birth to three cubs, which disappeared after a few days.

And for the fourth time, she gave birth to three cubs, which were captured on camera trap in zone 2 on 25th July 2023.

Three healthy cubs were seen at the age of 2-2½ months. At that time, she was about 9 years old... Today, after shifting all three of her cubs to Karauli, Bundi, and today Kota, she herself merged into nature after living for more than 11 years... There is mourning in the entire Ranthambore - Mukesh Seat (Wildlife Activist) 😥🙏🏻💐🐅🐾
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