Video of actor Vikram with Lar Gibbon: Tamil Nadu Forest Department probes
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is investigating the possession of a Lar Gibbon after a viral video showed actor Vikram interacting with the endangered primate. Authorities are verifying the legality of the animal's transfer and ownership documentation, as the species is protected under CITES Appendix I.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal complexities and ethical concerns surrounding the private ownership of endangered exotic species and the potential for celebrity influence to inadvertently fuel illegal wildlife trafficking.
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has sought an ownership certificate and other documents from individuals for possession of a Lar Gibbon, after a video of actor Vikram playing with and hugging the animal went viral and drew backlash.
Yogesh Kulal, Wildlife Warden, Chennai, said the animal has since been moved to Erode from businessman C.K. Ranganathan’s residence in Injambakkam.
The Lar Gibbon (Hylobates lar) is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Its import requires the requisite CITES import and export permissions, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) documentation and permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State to which it is being imported.
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