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The Print
4 days ago
- General
- The Print
Over 300 animals ‘missing overnight', there's something fishy going on at Kolkata's Alipore Zoo
Referring to the 'Annual Inventory of Animals in Zoos' report, compiled every year by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), the petition, seen by ThePrint, says that 321 animals had gone 'missing' from the Alipore zoo's inventory between the last day of fiscal 2023-24 and the first day of fiscal 2024-25. City-based NGO Swazon in a petition filed in the Calcutta High Court on 1 July alleged 'gross administrative negligence' at the zoo, citing discrepancies in its annual inventory of animals over the past 30 years—mismatch that the zoo has put down to a 'counting error'. New Delhi: The Alipore Zoological Garden in Kolkata, one of India's oldest zoos, is accused of mismanagement of wildlife, with over 300 animals 'missing overnight' from records. This discrepancy was noticed when comparing the closing stock, i.e. the number of animals on the last day of a financial year, and the opening stock, i.e., the number of animals on the first day of the next financial year, at the zoo. 'This is abject data fudging, and there have been so many anomalies over the years. Whether the animals are actually missing, or you're not reporting them correctly, it is still cause for concern since you're a public zoo and you should be accountable,' Swarnali Chatterjee, a member of the NGO, told ThePrint. The closing stock for financial year 2023-24, counted on 31 March, 2024, reported a total of 672 animals at the zoo. However, the opening stock for 2024-25, counted on 1 April, 2024, reported a total of 351 animals. This was a discrepancy of 321 animals. An independent analysis by ThePrint of CZA reports over the years found that the mismatch in numbers—between the closing stock of one year and opening stock of the next—at the Alipore zoo was not a one-time incident. It dates all the way back to 1996, when the first-ever annual inventory was published by the CZA for fiscal 1995-1996. The closing stock on 31 March, 1996, was 1,805 animals at the Alipore zoo. The opening stock on 1 April, 1996, however, recorded a higher number of animals, at 1,872. A discrepancy of 5, 10, 15, or even 200-300 animals was visible in every recorded inventory of the Alipore zoo from 1995 to 2025, according to the analysis of data. 'Such large numbers of unaccounted animals are nothing short of alarming,' Shubhobroto Ghosh, Wildlife Research Manager, World Animal Protection India, said. 'One cannot rule out sinister possibilities like illegal wildlife trade to explain the hundreds of animals missing over the years at the Alipore zoo.' Speaking to ThePrint, Arun Mukherjee, director of Alipore zoo, said: 'It is just a counting error—between our internal numbers and those reported in the CZA's inventory, there's been an error and we're trying to fix it.' Ghosh, however, said a counting error could explain one or two instances of mismatch, but not 30 years of discrepancies. In fact, the zoo's inventory is missing altogether from the CZA report for certain years, such as 2021-22 and 2022-23, despite it being mandatory for all zoos to share their inventory with the CZA every year. According to the latest inventory numbers posted on 31 March, 2025, the Alipore zoo has 1,184 animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. But while the inventory on 31 March, 2024, mentioned Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, elephants, jackals, rhinoceros, leopards, and other endangered animals, none of these are mentioned in the inventory for 2024-2025. Videos and testimonies from visitors to the zoo from one month ago show that it continues to house Asiatic lions and Bengal tigers, but these are not recorded as part of the latest inventory. 'That is the problem—the fact that these animals exist in the zoo yet they're not being recorded,' said Ghosh. 'If large, charismatic animals like lions, elephants and giraffes are missing from the zoo's records, it's grounds for suspicion and alarm.' The CZA, nodal body under the Union ministry of environment that oversees all 157 recognised zoos in the country, said it is looking into the matter. 'We have asked for a report from the Chief Wildlife Warden of West Bengal in this matter,' V. Clement Ben, member secretary, told ThePrint. The NGO's petition is scheduled to be heard by a bench of the Calcutta High Court on 24 July. It requests that the court order the zoo authorities to submit annual inventory of the past 10 years and provide an explanation for the discrepancies. Also Read: Delhi zoo is now a den of death — a result of politics, apathy and corruption 'Problem at heart of zoo' The Alipore Zoological Garden, also known as the Kolkata zoo, was founded in 1875 under the British empire, and is one of the oldest zoos in India. It has been home to a number of 'celebrity animals' such as Adwaita, a tortoise that was a pet of British general Robert Clive and which lived in the zoo until its death in 2006. It was believed to be between 150 and 250 years old. Citizens' group Swazon (Save Wild Animals of Zoo and Our Nature) stated in its petition how integral the zoo is to Kolkata's heritage and wildlife history. It also alleged that the misrepresentation in zoo animal numbers was connected to another issue—the West Bengal government's plan to auction off a section of land that houses zoo infrastructure. An e-tender posted by West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation last month invites bids for auction of a piece of land on 34A, Belvedere Road, Alipore, for 'commercial use'. This piece of land measuring close to 3 acres currently houses some of the zoo's ancillary infrastructure like the veterinary hospital, the rescue centre, the post-mortem facility, and a public aquarium. The e-tender states that the land belongs to the municipal corporation. According to the petition, the change of land use from public to commercial is illegal without proper approval from the CZA. Since the land houses essential facilities of the Alipore zoo, the petition terms it an attempt to piecemeal the zoo and monetise it through commercial usage. It requests that the HC overturn the decision to sell any part of the zoo's land. 'There's a clear pattern we've noticed: first, they're reducing the number of recorded animals. Now they're reducing the area under the zoo. It is an attempt by the government to slowly strip the zoo of its status and take over its land,' said Chatterjee. The zoo director refused to comment on the e-tender, saying the NGO's petition was due to be heard in court. According to Chatterjee, the Alipore zoo was initially categorised as a large zoo by the CZA because of its number of animals and annual footfall. To be classified as a large zoo, the CZA guidelines say the zoo needs to have more than 700 animals and a wide variety representing both local and exotic animals. With dwindling animal numbers over the last 30 years, the Alipore zoo is now categorised as a medium-sized zoo. The petition terms this as intentional downsizing on behalf of the government. 'The animals are shrinking, but the footfall remains the same. The zoo continues to earn through ticket sales, so it cannot blame its shrinking size on a lack of funds. There has to be some kind of a problem at the heart of the zoo's functioning,' said Chatterjee. 'All these signs point to an attempt to slowly shut down the zoo and sell the land to real estate developers.' For Ghosh, the Alipore zoo case signifies a deeper issue in the registration and recording of animals in India's 157 recognised zoos. Since the mismatch of numbers at the Kolkata zoo went unnoticed by both the zoo authorities and CZA for years, Ghosh called for immediate remedial measures. 'It is of cardinal importance to institute immediate measures of transparency and clarity in animal records of not only Alipore zoo in West Bengal, but each and every zoo in India,' he said. 'Wildlife trade is exploding in India through the roof, and we must make sure zoos do not add to this tragedy.' (Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui) Also Read: Indian zoos have a numbers problem. Too many animals, not enough vets, biologists, educators
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Gorakhpur zoo: Five bird flu hit inmates recover back to health
Lucknow: The five inmates of Gorakhpur zoo — a tiger, two leopard cubs, a cockatiel, and a vulture — who tested positive for avian influenza, have recovered. "This is very rare. All five animals who tested positive for avian influenza are back to back to health and normalcy. This was taken note of by everyone, even the Central Zoo Authority (CZA)," said Vikas Yadav, director of Gorakhpur zoo, which is closed for more than a month now. The animals lost appetite and movement, became weak, and got urine infections as common symptoms due to the bird flu virus. "We got alerted as soon as the diet of any of our animals was reduced. They were administered immunity boosters," said the official. What followed was monitoring every four hours. As per the CZA protocol, samples of 13 more animals, collected randomly, were sent to the testing laboratory, NIHSAD, in Bhopal. The decision on opening the zoo will be taken depending on the reports being negative. The zoo was closed on May 13 for visitors. The first death reported was of a tigress on May 7. A total of eight of its animals tested positive for the infection, out of which three died and five were treated and declared 'negative' for the H5N1 strain. It was the first such case of a bird flu outbreak in a zoo. After the infection was first reported at Gorakhpur zoo, CM Yogi Adityanath held a high-level meeting on the matter and ordered the necessary precautions to be followed. All three zoos and the lion safari in Etawah were closed for visitors on May 13, following the outbreak of the infection. While Kanpur zoo was also affected, Lucknow zoo and the lion safari had their animals safe. Kanpur zoo is still closed, while the other two places were opened for visitors on May 29.
Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Delhi Zoo mulls one-day animal adoption scheme to expand outreach
The National Zoological Park in Delhi has proposed a new adoption scheme that would allow visitors to adopt animals for as short as a single day. The plan, currently awaiting approval, aims to replace the zoo's existing year-long adoption model with more flexible options, including monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and daily terms, as per the zoo officials. 'At present, the adoption is only available for a one-year term and involves a formal stamp paper agreement. We are proposing changes that would allow people to adopt animals for a shorter duration, from a single day to a few months…on a monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and yearly basis,' said Dr Sanjeet Kumar, Delhi Zoo Director. He added, 'The aim is to simplify the procedure…reduce the entry barrier and broaden the scope of participation for adoption benefits.' In Indian zoos, 'adoption' is not a transfer of custody or ownership. The animal is not taken home or taken into legal possession. Instead, the adopter contributes money towards the care of the zoo animal— similar to a voluntary sponsorship or donation. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) doesn't explicitly mention 'adoption' in the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009 and the CZA's Guidelines for Scientific Management of Zoos. However, it is encouraged for public engagement. As per an official CZA document, 'In addition to educational programmes, zoos need support for upkeep of animals and enclosures, conservation efforts, science and recreation missions.' It added, 'Corporate sponsorship and support are important in these areas. Corporates are offered a range of activities and programmes which they can choose to support. These may range from a specific animal or exhibit to funding research or conservation projects.' At present, the Delhi Zoo's adoption programme requires a minimum commitment of one year, formalised after entering into an agreement with the zoo management. The scheme, launched in the pandemic year 2022, allows the public, animal lovers, corporates, celebrities and educational institutions to adopt animals by contributing to their food, medical care, and upkeep. 'Through this scheme, the zoos shall be in more direct public contact with enhanced accountability.' Annual fees vary depending on the species — from Rs 700 for birds to Rs 6 lakh for elephants. In return, adopters receive benefits such as an adoption membership card, certificate, visit permit, and name featured in signage in front of the animal's enclosure. The current scheme, while open to individuals, has so far seen greater uptake from corporate donors, as per zoo officials. However, the scheme calls for adopters to use it as 'a great gift of adopted animals for birthdays or anniversaries to family members of friends, children or relatives.' Meanwhile, the revised plan envisions significantly lower adoption fees for short durations, starting at Rs 100 to around Rs 500 for a one-day adoption of smaller animals, said zoo officials. By introducing short-term and lower-cost options, the zoo hopes to draw in more citizens, added Dr Kumar. 'The plan is still at the proposal stage…Complete details of the adoption scheme can be clarified only after the necessary approvals,' he said.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Bird flu: Gkp zoo to remain shut till further notice
The outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 (bird flu) has dealt a severe economic blow to the Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur which, according to officials, will remain closed till further notice. Earlier, the zoo was closed to the public in three separate spells from May 13 to June 10. Zoo director Vikas Yadav confirmed the temporary closure, stating that strict biosecurity measures have been implemented as per the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines to prevent any further spread of the virus. 'We are taking precautions to protect the animals from infection. Until we receive clearance, the zoo will remain closed to visitors,' he said. According to deputy director Yogesh Pratap Singh, all infected animals and birds are currently stable and under treatment. However, the zoo will only reopen after three consecutive negative reports are received from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal. The 3.5-acre zoo, facing its first major crisis since the confirmation of the H5 strain of avian flu in a deceased tigress on May 13, has been a popular tourist attraction, especially for residents of the Gorakhpur and Basti divisions. Its closure over the past month has caused a considerable economic downturn. Noting that the zoo typically welcomes around 2,000 visitors -- mostly schoolchildren and wildlife enthusiasts -- daily, Yadav said it has suffered revenue losses estimated at ₹30 to ₹35 lakh due to the closure so far. The last set of samples from five infected animals, including two leopard cubs and a vulture, was sent for testing on May 23, and their results are still awaited. In addition, the second batch of samples from 35 other animals has also been sent to NIHSAD, with results pending, officials said. Officials have identified migratory birds and ducks in the nearby Ramgarh Lake, just 3km from the zoo, as the primary source of the avian flu strain.
Hindustan Times
08-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Ducks primary source of bird flu outbreak at Gkp zoo: CZA
Migratory ducks were the primary source of the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (bird flu) outbreak at the Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur recently, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) probe committee has disclosed in its report. The report also identified crows as key contributors to the spread of the virus, which led to the deaths of three big cats. The district authorities received the report on Saturday evening. Zoo director Vikas Yadav confirmed, 'The investigation report, along with precautionary instructions, has been received.' The zoo will now focus on protecting animals from migratory birds, enhancing biosafety measures, and conducting regular health screenings. The outbreak claimed the lives of a tiger Kesri on March 30, a tigress Shakti on May 7 and a leopard Mona on May 8. After confirmation of the virus by the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, the zoo was closed to the public in three separate spells from May 13 to June 10. This closure may be extended further depending on upcoming lab results, officials indicated. According to the report, the origin of the bird flu strain points to migratory ducks at Ramgarh Lake, about three kilometres from the zoo. Ducks are known reservoir hosts for the influenza virus and often do not display symptoms despite being infected. After a hailstorm on May 1, several dead ducks were found near Ramgarh Lake, but they allegedly went unnoticed by officials. The CZA conducted an inspection of the zoo on May 19 and 20, collecting samples from both inside and outside the zoo premises. Each year, thousands of migratory birds flock to Ramgarh Lake, drawing tourists and bird watchers. The CZA report emphasizes the need to address the risk of infectious diseases. The report has recommended regular disinfection of the area, restriction of public access during outbreaks, and enhanced coordination between the forest, health, and municipal departments to prevent recurrence. Zoo director Yadav also stated that five infected animals — two leopard cubs, a cockatiel, and a vulture — are undergoing treatment and showing signs of improvement. However, sample examination reports of these animals sent to NIHSAD are still awaited. Additionally, the second negative reports for 35 other samples are also pending.
