The health of the latest addition to the big cat family at the Thiruvananthapuram zoo is improving.

The eight-year-old as yet unnamed tigress is recuperating well, though it remains in quarantine. It had been caught by the Forest department from Pulpally in Wayanad after it began straying into human habitations and preying on livestock.

A primary health assessment, including a blood test, has been conducted since it was brought to the zoo earlier this month, zoo veterinary surgeon Nikesh Kiran said.

A wound on the tiger’s forepaw had initially seemed concerning. However, the swelling was healing, indicating that there was probably no fracture. Small wounds, possibly sustained during fights with other big cats in the wild, were also healing. The tigress had lost two canine teeth too.

However, the tests had revealed a high level of progesterone. This could mean either that the tigress was in heat or pregnant. Dr. Nikesh said they did not want to anaesthetise the animal in case she was pregnant. So they would wait and watch her, or repeat the test later to ascertain if it was pregnant.