Alipore Zoo Under Scrutiny – The renowned Alipore Zoological Gardens, one of India’s oldest and most visited zoos, has come under the scanner of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) following allegations of missing animal records and questionable inter-zoo transfers. A CZA fact-finding team arrived in Kolkata to launch a formal inquiry after discrepancies were flagged during routine inspections and by local authorities.
Alipore Zoo Under Scrutiny: Background of the Investigation
The probe began after irregularities surfaced in the documentation of animal births, deaths, and transfers maintained by Alipore Zoo. The records reportedly show inconsistencies over several years, raising concerns about the zoo’s compliance with national zoological management standards. According to insiders, some animal entries—including endangered species—were missing entirely, while others reflected incomplete or outdated data.
An anonymous source within the West Bengal Forest Department suggested that these lapses could indicate either gross negligence or deliberate manipulation. Either scenario could seriously compromise the conservation credibility of the institution, which houses several endangered and exotic species.
CZA Team’s Agenda in Kolkata
The three-member CZA team, including a wildlife veterinarian and an administrative officer, arrived with a comprehensive checklist. Their mandate includes:
- Verifying animal inventory and transfer records over the past five years.
- Assessing the zoo’s adherence to conservation breeding guidelines.
- Reviewing staff management and protocol compliance.
- Interviewing current and former zoo officials and veterinarians.
The team spent their first day combing through digital logs, enclosure registries, medical charts, and physical logs. Officials reportedly paid particular attention to the transfer of big cats, primates, and certain exotic birds to other zoos in Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad—many of which lacked CZA’s prior approval or documentation.
Official Response from Alipore Zoo
The zoo director, under whose tenure some of the questionable records were maintained, refused to comment directly but acknowledged the ongoing investigation. A brief press note from the zoo administration said:
“We welcome the visit of the Central Zoo Authority and are fully cooperating with the fact-finding process. Any discrepancies, if found, will be corrected promptly.”
However, multiple former staff members allege that record manipulation has been a recurring problem, and that many internal reports submitted to the West Bengal Zoo Authority were either diluted or ignored.
Questions Over Animal Welfare and Deaths
Besides missing records, animal welfare groups have raised questions about unexplained animal deaths. Between 2020 and 2023, over 100 animals reportedly died under various circumstances, including infections, accidents, and natural causes. In many of these cases, no postmortem reports or veterinary follow-ups were made public.
Dr. Ramesh Shankar, a Kolkata-based wildlife biologist, stated:
“Animal mortality isn’t unusual in zoos, but it becomes a serious concern when patterns are concealed, or paperwork is ambiguous. These lapses undermine India’s credibility in wildlife conservation.”
Implications for Zoo Licensing and Operations
The Central Zoo Authority is likely to submit a detailed report to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) by the end of this month. Depending on their findings, Alipore Zoo could face penalties ranging from a warning to a temporary suspension of certain activities like inter-zoo transfers and breeding programs.
In the worst-case scenario, the CZA can also recommend de-recognition if the zoo is found in violation of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), the National Zoo Policy, or fails to meet the minimum standards prescribed for zoological parks in India.
Larger Pattern or Isolated Incident?
This isn’t the first time a reputed zoo has come under investigation. Over the past five years, multiple institutions—including the zoos in Lucknow, Mysuru, and Visakhapatnam—have faced similar scrutiny, indicating a potential systemic flaw in India’s zoo management ecosystem.
Wildlife activists argue that many of these zoos lack digitized real-time recordkeeping, trained staff, and oversight, which makes them vulnerable to mismanagement. Calls have been made to upgrade the National Zoo Network’s digital infrastructure and implement blockchain-based transparency systems.
Next Steps
The CZA will continue its audit over the next few days, after which it will likely summon past directors and officials for questioning. The West Bengal Forest Department has also promised to run a parallel investigation to ensure there is no tampering of evidence during the process.
If proven, the allegations could result in strong legal action, including possible cases under wildlife trafficking laws and misappropriation of government funds.
Voices from the Public and Experts
Kolkata residents and tourists have expressed disappointment and concern over the developments. Many locals have fond childhood memories associated with the zoo and are urging authorities to restore transparency and accountability.
Shalini Sinha, a schoolteacher and regular zoo visitor, said:
“If animals are being neglected or transferred without proper cause, it is deeply upsetting. The zoo is not just a recreational spot, it’s an institution of trust and education.”
Veterinarians and environmentalists also urge better training and ethical responsibility among zoo managers and keepers. Workshops, third-party audits, and better digital documentation are being proposed as reforms.
The CZA’s probe into Alipore Zoo is not just about missing records—it’s a litmus test for the overall health of India’s zoo management system. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on the authorities’ next move. Will this be a turning point for zoological transparency in India, or another chapter swept under bureaucratic silence?
Alipore Zoo, with its historical legacy and rich biodiversity, now finds itself at a critical juncture—one that will determine its credibility for generations to come.
External References for Further Reading
- Alipore Zoo Official Website – Research Wing
- Down To Earth Report on Zoo Animal Welfare
- Study on Necropsy Reports from Indian Zoos (Springer)
- ResearchGate – Surgical Interventions in Captive Animals at Alipore Zoo
- Wikipedia – Zoological Garden, Alipore
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
