Ranthambore National Park has bid a heartfelt farewell to one of its most celebrated tigresses, Arrowhead (T-84), who passed away on June 19 after a majestic reign of 14 years. Last spotted on June 17 near Padam Talab by wildlife photographer Sachin Rai, she appeared frail, with her ribs visible and her steps slow — a poignant image that seemed to signal the forest’s gentle preparation for her final goodbye.
रणथंभौर की रानी जिसका पेट धंसा, पसलियां दिखी लेकिन उसकी शान ज्यों की त्यों थी। रणथंभौर की मशहूर बाघिन 'एरोहेड' ने 19 जून को अपनी आखिरी सांस ली। फोटोग्राफर सचिन राय ने 17 जून की शाम पद्म तालाब के किनारे उसकी आखिरी झलक कैमरे में कैद की — थकी हुई चाल, कांपते कदम और गहरी आंखें…… pic.twitter.com/GcRB1xHWqm
— Ashok Meghwal (@AshokMeghwal_) June 21, 2025
A moving tribute was posted by Ashok Meghwal describing her as a queen who, despite a frail body, walked with pride intact. ”Her belly had sunk, ribs were visible but her dignity remained untouched,” he wrote, summing up what many felt watching her last appearance.
Arrowhead was not just another tiger in the world. She was the daughter of tigress Krishna 9T-10) and a granddaughter of the legendary Machli (T-16), yet she came up beyond her lineage to make herself a fierce and independent ruler. She has raised multiple cubs over the years and reclaimed her mother’s territory through strength.
As per the social media post, her life was filled with hardship as she lost her cubs more than once, but never backed down. In a display of her strength, she is believed to have hunted a crocodile in her final days.
Farewell to the queen of Ranthambore
Arrowhead’s daughter, Ridhi, had left the forest just before her mother’s Death, possibly in search of her territory. The timing seems symbolic, as if the matriarch has wanted to pass on her legacy.
Her journey of courage and motherhood will be remembered in Ranthambore’s soul. As Meghwal mentioned, “There’s silence now, but the echo of her stride still drifts through the forest.”
Official tribute from Ranthambore
The Ranthambore National Park, in its official Instagram post, has also confirmed the Arrowhead death. The authorities called her the “pride of our forest”. According to the park, Arrowhead had been suffering from bone cancer for a long time. “Just hours after her daughter RBT 2507 was relocated to Mukundra, Arrowhead took her last breath, “the post mentioned.
The post’s tribute stated, “Arrowhead was more than just a tigress-she was a symbol of grace, strength, and motherly spirit. Her legacy will live on through her cubs and in the hearts of wildlife lovers.”