Alipore Zoo Under Review: CZA and Bengal Forest Dept Investigate Animal Count Discrepancies

Speedy Summary

• Issue highlighted: The citizens’ forum “save Wild Animals of Zoo and Our Nature (Swazon)” in Kolkata flagged discrepancies in Alipore Zoological Garden’s animal inventory reports for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.
• Key discrepancies Noted:

– Number of birds dropped from 408 to 218.- Mammals fell from 129 to 74.
– Reptiles decreased from 135 to 59 between march 31, 2024, and April 1, 2024.

• Allegations by swazon: A total of over 321 animals appeared “missing” on paper despite their physical presence in the zoo.
• Official Probes:

– Central Zoo Authority (CZA) formed a three-member team with experts from institutions like the Wildlife Institute of India and Indian Veterinary Research Institute. A report is due within a week.
– West Bengal forest department launched a separate investigation lead by a Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; results expected in two weeks.

• Legal Action: Swazon has also filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court; hearing anticipated next week.
• Recurring Issue: Similar discrepancies were observed between Alipore Zoo’s inventories for financial years ending March,between figures for closing stock (2016-2017) and opening stock (2017-2018),amounting to an anomaly involving at least 276 animals.
• An anonymous official cited potential data entry errors during multi-stage reporting processes as a possible cause.

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(Credit: Samir Jana / Hindustan Times)

Indian Opinion Analysis

The discrepancies regarding animal inventory records at Kolkata’s historic Alipore Zoological Garden raise serious concerns about accountability, record maintenance systems, and the broader issue of wildlife management in protected spaces. While physical verification might resolve questions about these so-called missing animals,recurring problems with data accuracy suggest systemic inefficiencies or lack of oversight.

Both investigations by the CZA and West Bengal forest department are welcome developments towards addressing transparency concerns. However, automation or digitization reforms are essential to mitigate manual errors highlighted here as root causes.

Further attention is required because such issues extend beyond recordkeeping-clear mismanagement risks could perhaps lead to jeopardized species welfare or complicate conservation reporting standards. Public pressure via forums like Swazon may prompt necessary structural reforms both at the local zoo management level as well as national zoo administration guidelines.

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