Disputes in animal sourcing, transfer, record-keeping at Alipore Zoo, reveals CZA probe

Kolkata: More skeletons have tumbled out of the closet for Alipore zoo as the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) three-member panel probing the inventory mismatch at the zoo has found some irregularities. These include no maintenance of animal stock register flouting Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009, acquisition of animals in excess of what approved by CZA, no signature of zoo director on inventory records on CZA web applications and no identification marking or animal history cards for captive animals (barring a few large cats). As per the report, certain animals like a rescued Indian wolf and birds housed in the zoo "were not reported to the CZA in the inventory, flouting rules laid down in Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009." Even though the probe report — a copy of which is with TOI — said discrepancy of 321 animals — between end of 2023-24 and start of 2024-25 fiscals — happened not due to a "mismatch" but for incomplete inventory publication on CZA website, experts felt the probe has unearthed bigger discrepancies that had been "going unchecked at the zoo for years".The report, sources said, has been submitted before Calcutta High Court, which is hearing a PIL by Save Wild Animals of Zoo and Our Nature (Swazon) over "administrative failures" at the zoo and controversial sale of a zoo land. The matter may again come up for hearing in two weeks."For eight unsexed hill mynas acquired in 2024-25, no document could be provided in support of the source and legality of the acquisition. Two Kalij pheasants were found in excess of the number mentioned in the inventory," the report said. Similarly, disposal of two Eurasian spoonbils in 2024-25 was allegedly not supported by papers . No supporting permission could be found for one of the six wild dogs acquired from Vizag in 2024-25, the probe reveals. It also points at a male tiger brought from Nandankanan and the transfer of a female tiger to Jharkhali rescue centre without CZA nod. The acquisition, rescue and transfer of Himalayan black bears, gharials, monocled cobras, Asian water monitor lizards and scarlet macaw also came under the lens. The panel also found that the zoo doesn't maintain necropsy reports of animal deaths in prescribed format. The central body has suggested maintenance of web application for inventory submission and inclusion of all animals in annual inventory in Form II signed by curator (animals) and zoo director as per norms.Minister of state for forest, Birbaha Hansda, said: "Without a nod from the Centre, no zoo animal can be acquired or transferred. But in case of rehabilitation of animals rescued during smuggling, do we at all need the permission? All these issues are being looked into." While calls to Alipore zoo director Tripti Sah went unanswered, a senior official of the forest dept said they haven't received any official report from the CZA yet.