Ranthambore is an amazing wildlife spot in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. This place is famous among people for the sightings of wild animals. People can enjoy the thrilling Ranthambore safari rides and get a chance to see the wildlife in its natural habitat. The most famous species of fauna that attracts tourists from all over the World is the Ranthambore Tigers.
If you have even seen the videos of Ranthambore, then you may have listened to names like Machali, Arrowhead, Noor, Ustad, Krishna, etc. People talk about these tigers like they are celebrities. These are the names of the tigers of this park, and it is one of the reasons this place feels so special. Ranthambore is one of the few national parks in India where tigers are known by actual names, not just tag numbers. Their names have stories behind them. So, let’s know how the tigers of this park get these names and why some names become so famous that tourists from around the world come here to see them.
How Tigers Get Names
Every tiger that calls this park home officially got the number from the forest department. These numbers are like T-24, T-84, T-19, and so on. The numbers help the department keep track of the tiger population and also to know which tiger belongs to which territory or family line. But, for the public, safari guides and wildlife lovers, these numbers can be boring and confusing. If tourists go for a Ranthambore Safari and they spot T-39, then they would say that they spotted T-39, which does not feel exciting. Instead, if they say that we saw noor, then it will be something unique.
This is the reason why the tigers of this park got their names. The name makes them feel more alive, and it also remains memorable for the visitors. Sometimes, even the locals give tigers nicknames based on what makes them unique. Slowly, these names become famous among tourists who visit the park for a safari. If a tiger gets a name in Ranthambore National Park, then the whole park sticks to it. The tigers of this park have become the identity, and even a few tigers have become legends because of their names and stories. Most of the time, the names of tigers are given based on things like their personality, appearance, the place where they live, or even their mother.
Sometimes, the names are given by the forest officials, sometimes by the naturalists, and sometimes by the local villagers or the safari guides.
Some Famous Ranthambore Tigers
1. Machali Tigress:
She’s literally the queen of Ranthambore National Park. She was called Machali (which means “fish”) because of the fish-shaped mark near her eyes. But this simple name made her famous all over the World – like a brand. Documentaries were made about her, and even the photographers waited for hours to get her pictures. She ruled the Ranthamboe like a real queen for around 20 years. She had many cubs and became the mother of an entire generation of tigers. Her story is so popular that wildlife lovers around the World know her name.
2. Ustad Tiger:
This is another strong tiger of Ranthambore National Park. His personality was bold and strong – that’s why he was given the name “Ustad,” which means master or expert. This name was inspired by the dominant personality, as he was fearless and had a very strong grip over his territory. His walk was powerful, and whenever people saw him, the whole area turned silent.
3. Arrowhead Tigress:
Then we have arrowhead. This one is the daughter of tiger Krishna. She got her name because she literally has an arrow-shaped mark on her head. She is confident and often comes in front of the people. Visitors even asked the guides, “Arrowhead dikhegi kya?” Most of the time, she is seen around the lakes of the park, and many photographers have taken her stunning pictures.
4. Noor Tigress:
Noor is one of the most loved tigresses of Ranthambore. Her name means “light,” and she got this name because she looked unbelievably graceful. Guides, tourists, and everyone liked her when she walked in the golden sunlight near the lakes. She has a very calm and royal vibe, and she is also known for being a very caring mother. Noor raised strong cubs who later became popular tigers themselves.
5. Krishna Tigress:
She is the daughter of the legendary tigress Machali. Krishna was given this name because she was always peaceful, controlled, and had a special charm. She became famous among tourists because of her gentle behavior and the way she raised her cubs. Most of the time, she was seen relaxing near water bodies or confidently walking on the tracks. Many times, she comes on the safari tracks and gives tourists a chance to take some amazing pictures.
6. Romeo Tiger:
This tiger got its name because of its romantic nature. He was often spotted roaming around the area where the tigress Laila lived. Two of them were seen together many times. Because of this, guides started calling him Romeo. He has a relaxed and playful personality and is often seen casually roaming around his territory. His name added a cute and filmy twist to the list of Rantahmbore’s tigers.
7. Laila Tigress:
Laila became famous because of her connection with Romeo. Their pair gave the tourist a romantic sightseeing experience. But even individually, she was a strong and beautiful tigress. She spent most of her time in the quiet corners of her zone, and people felt lucky whenever they spotted her. There was something very charming about her that attracted Romeo and also the tourists who visited Ranthambore National Park.
8. Lightning Tigress:
Lightning was famous for her speed. She moved quickly inside the Ranthambore National Park, and sometimes, people were not even able to spot her. She kept the photographers waiting for her, and people often joked that they needed luck and fast reflexes to get her photo. Her name goes with her personality because she was full of energy and never stayed in one place for long.
