Famous tiger from forest that inspired Jungle Book dies leaving fans heartbroken
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A tiger who lived in a forest that inspired the Jungle Book has tragically died, leaving her beloved fans devastated in India.
Tiger Collarwali shot to fame after giving birth to nearly 30 adorable cubs, boosting the local tiger population – which earned her the nickname 'supermum'.
The popular tigress suddenly passed away over the weekend following an intestinal problem and mourners held a funeral to pay their respects.
Grieving conservation officers were pictured placing her body onto a funeral pyre decorated with an array of flowers for her ritual cremation.
Collarwali attracted visitors from across the country and drew them to the Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh state.
The area is believed to be the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's famed "Jungle Book" anthology which tells the story of Indian boy Mowgli who was raised by wolves.
Field director of the reserve, Alok Mishra told AFB: "The tigress was very popular at the reserve and with the local community.
"Everyone knew about her."
Collarwali gave birth to a total of 29 cubs during her lifetime, with 25 of them making it to adulthood, reports France 24.
Her unique name, which is "With Collar" in English, was inspired by a research project which took place in the nature park.
"She was the first tiger to get a collar at the reserve," commented Mishra.
"That was the reason she became very famous… the collar ensured that she was very well documented and well known."
Dozens of people have been left heartbroken by her unexpected death, with many leaving emotional tributes on Twitter.
One person wrote: "Wildlife lovers and enthusiasts will understand how heartbreaking it is when a majestic tigress goes into silence forever.
While another said: "RIP, Queen of Pench. You lived long and majestically.
A third commented: "You ruled the food chain and because of you an entire forest was alive."
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