Tigress

We did see a tigress on our very first safari at Tadoba this time around.

When I went to Ranthambhor, as part of a school excursion, we were divided into ten groups.
Nine groups saw a tiger.
Mine didn’t.

Then I went to Kanha. Three safaris there – and I didn’t see a tiger.

Then, Nagarhole. Three safaris there – and I didn’t see a tiger.

Then, Tadoba. After the first two safaris, when I didn’t see a tiger, I had a conversation with my sister.
“I don’t know why people are so obsessed with tigers, really. Of course, I want to see one too, but the forest itself is so beautiful!”
“And every animal is a joy to see!”
“And the unpredictability of the jungle is in itself fascinating!”
“And the trees, the light …”

And then we saw the tiger.

I’ve seen a tiger in the wild three times.
I had tears in my eyes each time.

Tyger, tyger burning bright
In the forests of the night
What immortal hand or eye
Dared frame thy fearful symmetry?