Delhi Zoo Faces Investigation Over Alleged Killing of Protected Jackal
The Union Environment Ministry has ordered a formal probe into disturbing allegations at the National Zoological Park in Delhi. This action follows a serious complaint from the National Zoo Workers Union claiming staff unlawfully killed a protected jackal by burning it alive.
Shocking Allegations Surface Months After Escape Incident
The controversy began last November when approximately four jackals escaped from their enclosure through a small gap in the fencing. While zoo officials initially reported successful rescues, the workers' union now presents a different, more troubling narrative.
According to their formal complaint submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, one jackal entered a Himalayan black bear's enclosure in December. Instead of following proper rescue protocols, the union alleges the ranger in charge devised a lethal plan.
The complaint states workers were instructed to pour chilli powder into the bear's burrow and ignite a fire inside, resulting in what the union calls the "unlawful killing" of the protected animal.Protected Species and Protocol Violations
Jackals receive protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022, making their alleged killing particularly serious. The union's complaint cites multiple legal violations including the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and established zoo management protocols.
The union further alleges that two days after the incident, workers retrieved the remains from the burrow and disposed of them secretly. This disposal reportedly occurred without notifying veterinary authorities or conducting the mandatory post-mortem examination required by zoo regulations.
Official Responses and Conflicting Accounts
Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, Director of the National Zoological Park, maintains a different position. He states no such incident has been reported internally and insists the zoo's official inventory records show all jackals accounted for.
"One allegation has been received," Dr. Kumar confirmed. "The Joint Director has been asked to enquire into the allegation."
Joint Director Nair Vishnuraj Narendran, currently in Haldwani, acknowledged receiving the inquiry order. He stated he would begin the investigation process upon returning to Delhi.
Internal Concerns and Operational Challenges
A senior zoo official speaking anonymously revealed deeper concerns. Despite rescue efforts following the November escape, at least one jackal reportedly continued moving around the zoo premises.
The same official questioned the effectiveness of an internal inquiry, suggesting those potentially responsible for mismanagement might be investigating themselves. "How can an internal inquiry be conducted by zoo officials when those responsible are part of the same administrative structure?" the official asked.
Another staff member explained the practical difficulties of tracking jackals. These animals create burrows and often remain underground, particularly in shrubby areas with minimal human activity. Search operations continued through December, when the alleged burning incident supposedly occurred.
Search Operations and Official Statements
Following the November escape, zoo authorities launched extensive search operations. They installed trap cages, deployed animal capture teams, and kept a tranquilization team on standby according to Dr. Kumar.
"There was no official count because jackals create burrows and remain there," explained a staff member familiar with the situation. "Many times, it is difficult to keep their exact record."
The same source claimed uncertainty about the jackal's exact cause of death, suggesting it might have resulted from suffocation or burn injuries. The staff member further alleged that a range officer instructed workers to send the body directly to the incinerator, bypassing standard procedures.
This officer had reportedly been recently assigned additional responsibilities due to staff shortages at the facility.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has taken the allegations seriously enough to dispatch officials to the zoo for preliminary assessment. The independent inquiry ordered by the ministry will examine whether proper protocols were followed and if wildlife protection laws were violated.
This incident raises significant questions about animal welfare standards, staff training, and management practices at one of India's premier zoological facilities. The outcome of the investigation could have implications for zoo operations nationwide.
As the probe begins, animal rights activists and conservationists await answers about what truly happened to the escaped jackal and whether systemic issues need addressing at the National Zoological Park.
