Tigress ST-19 and Four Cubs Enthral Tourists at Sariska

In a rare and cinematic display of wildlife, Tigress ST-19 and her four cubs were spotted Friday evening at a waterhole in Sariska Tiger Reserve’s Bala Qila buffer zone. The encounter, which occurred along the Liwari Safari Track, provided a group of international tourists with a mesmerizing 30-minute window into the lives of one of India's most successful tiger families.

As temperatures in the region climbed, the tigress led her cubs to the water point to quench their thirst and cool off. The group of four tourists, on their first-ever tiger safari, watched in awe as the cubs, now nearly the size of adults, splashed and played under their mother’s vigilant, calm gaze.

"They had no idea they would see an entire family together on their very first sighting," said safari guide Akash Pareek. "The tigress sat nearby, keeping a watchful eye as the cubs enjoyed the water."