I recently read an article about a Bengal Tigress named Machali that lived for 20 years in the wild. From 1999 to 2006, she gave birth to five litters of cubs (the average tigress has two or three) and a total of 11 cubs. As a result, she almost single-handedly repopulated the Ranthambore reserve. By 2004, there were only 15 tigers in Ranthambore. As of 2019, there were 71, more than half of which were Machali’s descendants.

She was fiercely protective of her young against the larger male tigers and consistently fought them off. If that didn’t work she seduced the males to distract them. She did whatever she had to do to keep them safe. Once she even fought off a 14-foot crocodile during an hour-long battle and ended up killing the crocodile while protecting her cubs. This event was captured on camera and catapulted her to instant stardom in the media.

She is one of the most beloved and photographed tigers of all time, has raised millions of dollars for conservation, and even has a commemorative postal cover and stamp in her honor. Machali brought such an awareness about tigers to the world and even became the unofficial ambassador on the magnificence in the life of a Tiger. She was also known as the Lady of the Lake, Crocodile Killer. Upon her passing, Machali, Queen of Ranthambore, was even honored with a traditional Hindu funeral.

On average, most tigers only live to be about 10 years of age. The fact she lived for 20 years in the wild and overcame so many struggles was a true inspiration for me.

Here is my tribute to her greatness:

“Machali Warrior”