Who is Machli? World's Oldest Tigress Dies at India's Ranthambore National Park

The world's oldest tigress named Machli from India passed away last Thursday at the Ranthambore National Park.

'Queen of Ranthambore'

According to The Dodo, Machli is "the most famed in India" due to her strength and grace. Machli was so fierce that she was even seen battling and defeating a 14-foot crocodile.

Machli was also known as the lady in the lake because she was usually found in near water.

According to National Geographic, Machli was even the most photographed tigress and was featured in many several wildlife documentaries. Her name, Machli means fish in Hindi because of fish-like markings on her face.

National Geographic Explorer Krithi Karanth, who studies tigers and other wildlife in India, mentioned that Machli was even called "Queen of Ranthambore," because of her famed battle with the crocodile.

Longest-Living Tigress in the World

According to Karanth, wild tigers usually live up to 12 to 14 years. It is already remarkable that Machli reached 20 years, all thanks to the forest officials who took care of her through the years.

Machli's health had been deteriorating in recent weeks. Most of her teeth had already been lost and she had only been using one eye. She died of an old age.

Leaving a Royal Legacy

The grand dame of the park was seen lying on thre ground and was trying to stand with a lot of struggle. Before she passed away, Machli gave birth to 11 cubs -- a legacy she left behindthat is so significant because around 60 percent of the tigers in park is believed to came from her lineage.

"Her blood line reigns supreme in valleys & glades of the park," Vasundhara Raje, the chief minister of the state of Rajasthan, wrote on Twitter.

Machli was the most favorite animal by the park visitors. She even had a Facebook page dedicated to her. Machli's contributions to the Indian economy and conservation earned her a lifetime achievement award and were even featured in a commemorative stamp.

As reported in National Geographic, two-thirds of the world's tigers are now in India, according to a global survey published in April. India successfully raises their tigers' numbers from 1,706 to 2,226 for the past five years.