Lucknow: Renowned wildlife enthusiast and author Billy Arjan Singh died at his home - Tiger Haven - in the vicinity of the famous Dudhwa National Park, about 250 km from Lucknow, late on Friday night. He was 94.According to a family member, "Billy had been ailing for sometime, largely on account of the infirmities of old age; he passed away late tonight."
Closely related to the Kapurthala family, Billy had settled down several decades ago in his farm, almost in the middle of a thick forest in Lakhimpur-Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh along the Indo-Nepal border.
It was entirely on account of his efforts that this forest was later declared as Dudhwa National Park, which eventually emerged as North India`s second largest forest reserve after the world famous Corbett National Park.
Earlier, Billy shot into fame after he penned down the story of his pet tigress, `Tara`, whom he raised almost like a domestic animal. Tara, who lived with him for several years in his Tiger Haven remained a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe.
He, eventually let Tara find its home in the wilderness.
IANS
First Published: Saturday, January 2, 2010, 14:05
