Actor Vikram video case: 11 exotic animals likely to be shifted to Vandalur zoo
The Forest Department is seeking court permission to transfer 11 exotic animals, including Lar gibbons and African serval cats, from a farmhouse in Perundurai to the Vandalur zoo. The animals were seized following a legal case against the owner for failing to properly register the exotic species.
Why it matters
This case highlights the legal complexities and enforcement challenges regarding the private possession of exotic wildlife in India.
The 11 exotic animals seized by the Forest Department from a farmhouse in Perundurai, including two Lar gibbons, seven African serval cats, and two tufted capuchin monkeys, are likely to be shifted to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur in Chennai on Thursday.
The farmhouse belonged to S.K. Keshavanathan, the owner of the Lar gibbons shown in a recent video involving actor Vikram. Following the video, the Forest Department inspected the farmhouse and seized the animals.
The Forest Department has approached a court seeking permission to shift the animals to the zoo, citing its inability to maintain them. The court, on Tuesday, issued a notice to Mr. Keshavanathan seeking his response. The court’s order on the department’s plea is expected on Thursday.
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