Wildlife photographer Mohit Rai recently shared an unforgettable experience with a magnificent male tiger named Rocket from the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. The Instagram Reel of this extraordinary sighting has gone viral, amassing nearly 3 million views.
“Rocket is an impressive figure at just four years old, embodying both majesty and strength” Mohit wrote on Instagram while sharing the video which went viral. Mohit was immediately struck by the tiger’s size and unique demeanor. Describing the encounter, he said, “Rocket’s confident attitude and royal gait truly set him apart from other tigers I’ve encountered.” His striking presence and surprisingly friendly behavior left a lasting impression on Mohit and his team.
A Memorable Encounter
The encounter lasted around 30-40 minutes in the tiger reserve during the safai, with Rocket roaming freely through the grass, playing, and walking confidently along the road. The highlight of the sighting was when the tiger walked directly in front of their vehicle and offered an unforgettable and close-up moment. Mohit’s camera captured this incredible footage by hand as the team kept a respectful distance from the animal moving slowly in their gypsy.
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Despite the challenges of handheld filming without stabilizing equipment, Mohit found the effort to stabilize the shaky footage completely worth it. The result was a mesmerizing video that documents a rare and awe-inspiring moment in the wild.
Rich Biodiversity of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Home to over 127 animal species and 326 bird species, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is a biodiverse haven. Its jungles house endangered species like the tiger, swamp deer, Bengal florican, hog deer, and leopard, making it a vital location for wildlife conservation.
This viral video has not only captured the beauty of Rocket but also showcased the natural splendor of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve to millions worldwide.