Mysuru, Apr 7 (DHNS): The tiger which was rescued near Basavannageri Haadi in H D Kote taluk on March 26, underwent a surgery at the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens on Sunday.

A team of orthopedic surgeons and veterinarians operated upon the tiger for four hours to fix a plate on the fractured limb of the tiger.

“We have kept the animal under close observation. We cannot yet say that the tiger has recovered completely,” said.

B P Ravi, executive director of the zoo. The tiger has to be left alone to prevent it from getting anxious as anxiety could lead to further injury, he added. The tiger had sustained bullet injuries due to which it was unable to hunt.

This procedure has been conducted for the first time at the zoo. A team of orthopedic surgeons, lead by Dr Gurumurthy, volunteered to operate upon the animal, Ravi added.

“After plating, it usually takes six weeks of rest for the bones to heal in humans. Since wild animals are usually active, it cannot be said for sure whether the procedure will work. We are keeping our fingers crossed,” he said. Deputy Conservator of Forests V Karikalan said that pieces of pellets found in the tiger’s body have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratories to ascertain the type of weapon used to injure the animal.

A report is expected soon. He added that an interim report on the issue will be submitted to the court shortly, following which the case will be handed over to the police.