Ranthambore’s beloved tigress Arrowhead dies at 14, final moments captured on camera. Watch

Tributes poured in from wildlife photographers, conservationists, and fans of Ranthambore from across the world.

Tigress Arrowhead (T-84), one of Ranthambore National Park’s most iconic big cats and a symbol of strength and resilience, passed away at the age of 14, forest officials confirmed on Thursday, 20 June. Her death came just hours after one of her daughters was relocated to another tiger reserve, marking a poignant and symbolic end to an extraordinary lineage in Indian wildlife history.

Arrowhead, the daughter of tigress Krishna (T-19) and granddaughter of the legendary tigress Machhli (T-16), was part of a renowned bloodline that had shaped the tiger population of Ranthambore for decades. According to forest department sources, Arrowhead had been battling advanced bone cancer and had been under close observation in recent weeks.

Her death has deeply affected wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists across the country. Wildlife photographer Sachin Rai, who had tracked Arrowhead since she was a cub, paid a moving tribute on social media. Sharing a video of her final moments, Rai recounted the heart-rending scene he witnessed near Padam Talab in the park on the evening of June 17.

“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,” he wrote in an emotional Instagram post.

He continued, “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.”

Rai also reflected on her remarkable life and journey. “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.”

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A post shared by Sachin Rai (@sachin_rai_photography)

Arrowhead was known not only for her lineage but also for her distinctive facial markings and regal presence. She had emerged as one of the dominant tigresses in Ranthambore, establishing her territory around the iconic Padam Talab and Rajbagh area—prime tiger habitat frequented by tourists and researchers alike.

Her mother, Krishna (T-19), had handed over the prized territory to Arrowhead in a rare, peaceful transition of power that had fascinated wildlife observers. Arrowhead’s grandmother, Machhli, was often referred to as the ‘Queen of Ranthambore’ and was perhaps the most photographed tigress in the world.

Wildlife officials confirmed that Arrowhead had stopped hunting and was exhibiting signs of severe physical decline over the past few weeks. Despite monitoring and care, her condition deteriorated rapidly due to the progression of cancer.

Her death has not only saddened conservationists but also highlighted the fragility of tiger populations and the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.

“Arrowhead’s contribution to Ranthambore’s tiger legacy is immeasurable,” said a forest official. “Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy lives on through her offspring and the memories she leaves behind.”

Arrowhead is survived by several cubs, many of whom have dispersed across the reserve and beyond, carrying forward the bloodline of Machhli. Her daughter’s recent relocation to another reserve is seen as a step towards genetic diversity and better population management.

As news of her passing spread, tributes poured in from wildlife photographers, conservationists, and fans of Ranthambore from across the world—each remembering her as a majestic presence who defined a generation of Indian wildlife.