2 weeks ago
Wildlife SOS Denies Poaching Allegations, Says Anti-Poaching Work Vilified
Wildlife SOS is a group that helps protect wild animals in India.
Some people think the group might have helped people who hunt and sell wild animals illegally.
The group says that is not true.
The trouble started after police found 10 leopard skins in Uttar Pradesh.
Police got a tip from Wildlife SOS to find those skins.
Four people were arrested.
Now some investigators are looking into whether Wildlife SOS was really helping or doing something wrong.
Wildlife SOS says it only helps catch bad people who hurt animals.
It worries that people who share information about animal crimes will be scared to help.
The group says it will keep protecting animals and work with police.
Wildlife SOS rejected allegations linking its senior functionaries to a wildlife poaching and trafficking network.
The allegations follow the July seizure of 10 leopard skins on the Agra-Gwalior road in Uttar Pradesh, based on intelligence provided by Wildlife SOS.
Four persons were arrested in connection with the seizure, and the investigation into the wider trafficking network is continuing.
Reports citing the Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force alleged that two suspected traffickers in a separate big-cat poaching case had been associated with Wildlife SOS.
Wildlife SOS said the allegations could have a 'chilling effect' on wildlife enforcement and that it is cooperating with the investigation.
- Who
- Wildlife SOS, a wildlife conservation NGO, its CEO Kartick Satyanarayan, and investigators including the Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force
- What
- Wildlife SOS denied allegations linking its senior functionaries to a wildlife poaching and trafficking network
- Where
- India — the statement came from Mumbai, the skins were seized on the Agra-Gwalior road in Uttar Pradesh, and Satyanarayan was asked to appear in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh
- When
- Monday, following the July seizure of 10 leopard skins in Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- Allegations arose after an investigation into the leopard skin seizure and reports that suspected traffickers had been associated with the NGO
Wildlife SOS
Investigators and Critics
Alleged role in trafficking network
Wildlife SOS
Wildlife SOS denies any involvement, saying legitimate anti-poaching intelligence work is being wrongly portrayed as participation in wildlife crime.
Investigators and Critics
Investigators are examining allegations that the NGO's anti-poaching operations may have been misused to stage seizures or facilitate wildlife crime.
Impact of scrutiny on informants
Wildlife SOS
Treating informants and whistleblowers as suspects could have a chilling effect and deter people from sharing intelligence on wildlife crime.
Investigators and Critics
Authorities are reportedly examining whether the NGO's informant network was used to stage seizures, raising questions about the reliability of its intelligence work.
Elephant operations oversight
Wildlife SOS
Wildlife SOS says it will continue working with enforcement agencies and supporting wildlife protection despite the allegations.
Investigators and Critics
The Madras High Court directed Tamil Nadu not to engage NGOs in treating elephants, and Assam reportedly disengaged Wildlife SOS from elephant projects after a calf's death.
Key facts
- Organization
- Wildlife SOS
- CEO and co-founder
- Kartick Satyanarayan
- Co-founder and secretary
- Geeta Seshamani
- Seizure
- 10 leopard skins
- Seizure location
- Agra-Gwalior road, Uttar Pradesh
- Arrests
- 4 persons
- NGO track record
- 32+ years, 19 states, more than 5.31 lakh animals rescued
- Status of allegations
- Under investigation; not established by a court
Quotes
Kartick Satyanarayan
CEO and co‑founder of Wildlife SOS
“This is shocking, and we are deeply concerned. Our immensely celebrated efforts over the years in rescuing and eventual banning of dancing bears in India is just one of the many stories that we are proud of.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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