Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Delhi Zoo Faces Allegations Over Jackal's Death
Some jackals escaped from their area in the Delhi Zoo.
Workers say one was forced out of a bear's home using fire and chilli powder, which made it suffocate and die.
The government is now checking if this really happened.
The zoo says they don't know about this and all their jackals are accounted for.
Some workers say the director knew but didn't stop it.
The investigation is just starting.
This is not the first time the zoo has had problems with how animals are cared for.
Jackals escaped from their enclosure at Delhi Zoo on December 14.
Workers' union alleges a jackal died of suffocation after chilli powder and fire were used to force it out of a bear's den.
Union Environment Ministry has ordered an investigation into the incident.
Zoo officials maintain no internal report of the incident exists, and inventory records match.
Alleged disposal of the jackal's remains without proper examination, violating protocols.
- Who
- National Zoo Workers Union, Delhi Zoo officials, Himalayan black bear
- What
- Alleged suffocation of a jackal due to improper capture methods
- When
- Incident on December 14, complaint filed on Monday, investigation ongoing
- Where
- National Zoological Park, Delhi
- Why
- Alleged violation of wildlife protection laws and animal cruelty regulations
Workers' Union
Zoo Officials
Incident Details
Workers' Union
A jackal escaped and died of suffocation after chilli powder and fire were used to force it out of a bear's den.
Zoo Officials
No internal report of the incident exists, and the current jackal count matches inventory records.
Handling of the Incident
Workers' Union
The carcass was disposed of without a post-mortem, violating protocols.
Zoo Officials
The matter was only brought to the director's notice on January 12, and an inquiry has been ordered.
Awareness of the Incident
Workers' Union
The director was aware of the incident but failed to prevent it or report it lawfully.
Zoo Officials
The director claims no prior knowledge of the incident.
- Date of Incident
- December 14
- Species Involved
- Jackal (protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act)
- Alleged Action
- Use of chilli powder and fire to force jackal out of bear's den, leading to suffocation
- Investigation Ordered By
- Union Environment Ministry
- Zoo's Official Stance
- No internal report of incident, inventory records match
- Alleged Disposal Method
- Clandestine disposal without post-mortem
- Current Jackal Count
- 9 (4 male, 2 female, 3 unsexed)
- Previous Incident
- Four chousinghas died of phosphine poisoning last month
