The forest department has taken decisive action against the owner and manager of a private zoo in Dadar, Mumbai.
Following the apprehension of six animals, including exotic species, from the unlicensed zoo, operating without approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), the forest authorities have escalated their enforcement efforts by lodging a forest First Information Report (FIR) and subsequently making arrests. On May 30, a team of forest officials seized several animals, comprising one softshell turtle, two Argentine black and white tegus, one ball python, one African ball python, and one common snapping turtle, from the zoo situated on Veer Savarkar Marg at Shivaji Park in Dadar. This action was prompted by the zoo’s lack of recognition by the CZA, which deemed it unauthorized and therefore in violation of wildlife protection laws.
The forest FIR, filed under various sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, encompasses charges related to the illegal capture, possession, trade, and display of scheduled animals. The arrested individuals, zoo owner Yuvraj Moghe and manager Amaan Abdul Sattar Khan, are set to face legal proceedings, with their appearance scheduled in court on Tuesday. Notably, the seized animals fall under Schedule 1 and Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, indicating their endangered or threatened status. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, a forest official emphasized the stringent regulatory requirements governing the possession and trade of exotic animals. Proper permissions and documentation are mandatory, both for the importation of animals into India and their subsequent transfer within the country. The lack of such approvals at the Dadar zoo raises suspicions of illegal wildlife trade, prompting ongoing investigations to uncover any illicit activities.
Meanwhile, former Union minister Maneka Gandhi has urged relevant authorities, including the CZA, forest department, and BMC, to take swift action against the zoo and advocate for its closure. This development follows previous concerns raised regarding the zoo’s operations, including an incident last October involving a baby crocodile found in a BMC-run pool in Dadar. Subsequent demolitions of unauthorized structures at the zoo underscored the regulatory scrutiny it has faced, with ongoing efforts to address breaches of wildlife protection laws and ensure the welfare of captive animals.
