Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Alipore Zoo Faces Scrutiny Over Animal Inventory and Land Sales
The Alipore Zoo is facing questions because official reports about the animals there don't match what people see.
The zoo is said to have fewer animals than it used to, especially endangered ones.
A group of citizens is concerned about this and has filed a legal case.
They are also worried about the government possibly selling some zoo land for businesses, with changing plans about how to do it, making some people suspicious.
The government says it changed its mind on the land sale.
A discrepancy was reported between the Alipore Zoo's animal inventory and a Central Zoo Authority report.
The report showed a decline in the mammal population and the disappearance of endangered species in the zoo.
A citizens' collective filed a PIL alleging 'gross administrative discrepancies' regarding animal counts.
The petition also addresses the state government's plan to sell zoo land for commercial use.
Contradictory auction notices from Hidco regarding land sales have raised concerns.
- Who
- The Alipore Zoo, the Central Zoo Authority, a citizens' collective (Swazon), and the West Bengal government.
- What
- Discrepancies in Alipore Zoo's animal inventory, a decline in animal population, and planned land sales.
- When
- Inventory discrepancies reported in 2023-2024, land sale plans announced in July 2024, with multiple auction notices.
- Where
- Alipore Zoo in Kolkata, India.
- Why
- Alleged discrepancies raise questions about animal counts and potentially illegal land use.
Citizens' Collective Concerns
Government/Zoo Management Response
Animal Count Discrepancies
Citizens' Collective Concerns
Discrepancies in animal inventory and decline of endangered species, potentially due to mismanagement.
Government/Zoo Management Response
Zoo management, Central Zoo Authority data.
Land Sale Controversy
Citizens' Collective Concerns
Selling zoo land for commercial purposes, raising questions about the legality and financial benefit.
Government/Zoo Management Response
State government plans to sell zoo land to generate revenue for welfare schemes.
- Zoo's age
- 151 years
- Mammal population decline (1995-2025)
- 75%
- Zoo land proposed for sale
- 4.2 acres (254 cottahs)
- Auction notice issuer
- West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (Hidco)
- Land use change
- Public to commercial