Royal Ranthambore’s roar for tiger conservation
On World Tiger Day, Radico Khaitan's premium whisky brand renews its commitment to India's tiger conservation efforts through its partnership with The Corbett Foundation.
As the world observed World Tiger Day on July 29, Royal Ranthambore Whisky, the high-end offering from Radico Khaitan Ltd., renewed its commitment to one of India's greatest conservation successes by strengthening its partnership with The Corbett Foundation. Inspired by the legendary tiger landscapes of Ranthambore, the brand continues to extend its association with the country's most iconic big cat beyond symbolism, supporting initiatives that protect habitats while fostering harmony between wildlife and the communities that share these fragile ecosystems.
India's tiger conservation story stands among the world's most remarkable wildlife revival efforts. According to the latest All India Tiger Estimation, the nation's tiger population has grown from 2,967 in 2018 to an estimated average of 3,682 in 2022, reflecting an annual growth rate of 6.1 per cent. Today, India is home to more than 70 per cent of the global wild tiger population, underscoring its pivotal role in safeguarding the species.
The journey began in 1973 with the launch of Project Tiger, initially encompassing just nine tiger reserves. Over five decades, the initiative has expanded to 58 reserves covering nearly 84,500 sq. km across 18 states. Yet the conservation challenge extends far beyond protected areas, with almost one-third of India's tigers now living outside designated reserves. Their survival increasingly depends on connected forest corridors, healthy habitats, active community participation and sustainable human-wildlife coexistence. Protecting the tiger, an umbrella species, also safeguards entire ecosystems and the countless forms of life they support.
This enduring relationship with the tiger lies at the heart of Royal Ranthambore's identity. More than a symbol of strength and majesty, the tiger represents India's rich natural heritage and cultural legacy. Earlier this year, the brand celebrated that connection through the Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection, a series of six limited-edition collectible packs inspired by some of India's most celebrated tigers. Interpreted through distinctive Indian art forms, the collection blended wildlife, craftsmanship and storytelling while paying tribute to the remarkable legacies of these iconic animals.
"The tiger is deeply woven into India's cultural and natural heritage and has always been at the heart of the Royal Ranthambore story. While the brand celebrates the majesty and legacy of this magnificent animal, we also recognise the responsibility that comes with drawing inspiration from it," said Kunal Madan, Chief Marketing Officer, Radico Khaitan Ltd. "Our partnership with The Corbett Foundation reflects our commitment to supporting meaningful conservation efforts and helping preserve this legacy for future generations. World Tiger Day reminds us that protecting India's wildlife requires sustained and collective action."
Through its collaboration with The Corbett Foundation, Royal Ranthambore is supporting a range of conservation initiatives across India's forest landscapes. These include veterinary care and livestock health camps, habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring and community-led programmes designed to strengthen coexistence between wildlife and people living on the fringes of forests. Together, these efforts reinforce the idea that conserving India's tiger population is not solely about protecting a species, but about preserving the delicate balance of an entire ecosystem for generations to come.