Wildlife activist raises questions over ‘illegal’ zoos in Chhattisgarh after 15 deer die in Ambikapur

Raipur

Following the death of 15 deer at Sanjay Vatika in Ambikapur two days ago, wildlife activist Nitin Singhvi has questioned the Forest Department regarding the operation of unauthorised zoos across Chhattisgarh. The deceased animals included two four-horned antelopes (Chousingha), seven spotted deer (Chital), and six barking deer, all of which are protected species. They were reportedly killed after dogs entered their enclosure.

Singhvi, a resident of Raipur, has asked senior forest officials to disclose the number of facilities operating in the state without mandatory recognition from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).

Allegations of illegal operations

The activist claimed that department officials are misleading the public by categorising Sanjay Vatika as a rescue centre rather than a zoo. Officials stated that sick or injured animals from nearby forests are brought there for treatment and released upon recovery. However, Singhvi pointed out that under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, even rescue centres require CZA recognition.

“If animals were released after recovery, how did the deer population there reach 32? Why are two Nilgai, also protected wildlife, being kept there?” Singhvi asked. He further alleged that while rescue centres cannot keep wildlife for public display, the Forest Department has been collecting entry fees at Sanjay Vatika, effectively operating an illegal zoo with the knowledge of the Wildlife Wing at the headquarters. He demanded that instead of penalising junior staff, action should be taken against senior officials overseeing these unrecognised facilities.

Unauthorised centres across state

Singhvi noted that the legal definition of a ‘zoo’ includes rescue and breeding centres. He stated that the Elephant Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Ramkola (Surguja) and the Wild Buffalo Breeding Centre at Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary only have ‘in-principle’ permission and lack full recognition. Similarly, he claimed a wild buffalo breeding centre at Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is operating without any authorisation.

The activist also highlighted concerns regarding eco-tourism sites at Mangatta (Rajnandgaon) and Mohrenga (Raipur), where hundreds of deer and other animals are kept in small fenced areas. He questioned whether these setups constitute a violation of the Wild Life (Protection) Act.

Recalling past instances, Singhvi mentioned that three leopards and a hyena were kept in dark enclosures at Nandanvan (Raipur) for eight years, and deer were housed there for years without CZA permission. He noted that while legal action was previously taken against a private individual for operating a zoo in Nagri (Dhamtari) district, no such accountability has been fixed for department officials.

Singhvi has demanded that all captive wildlife be released into sanctuaries immediately and called for a full disclosure of all such facilities managed by the Forest Department.