Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Kolkata Zoo Faces Scrutiny Over Animal Inventory Concerns
Imagine a zoo where some animals might have gone missing.
A group called SWAZON is worried that animals at Kolkata's Alipore Zoo have decreased significantly.
They claim the number has dropped sharply, and they are also worried about the zoo's land being used for businesses instead of the animals.
They're so worried that they are asking the government to explain where the missing animals are.
The group wants to make sure the zoo stays a safe place for animals and plants.
To do this, they are holding a protest to raise awareness and are asking the courts to help them find out the truth.
A biodiversity group alleges a significant drop in animal numbers at Alipore Zoo.
The group cites potential discrepancies and raises concerns about commercialization of zoo land.
An official inquiry and a legal battle are underway in response to the allegations.
A public interest litigation has been filed seeking an independent audit of the zoo.
Zoo authorities attribute the issue to a counting error, but activists plan a demonstration.
- Who
- Save Wild Animals of ZOO and Our Nature (SWAZON), zoo authorities, and the West Bengal government.
- What
- Concerns have been raised regarding a drop in the number of animals at Alipore Zoo.
- When
- The issue was brought to light on Thursday. SWAZON will stage a protest on 30 July.
- Where
- Alipore Zoological Gardens, Kolkata, India
- Why
- SWAZON is protesting over concerns of the missing animals and commercialization plans.
Activist/SWAZON View
Zoo Authorities
Animal Inventory
Activist/SWAZON View
They claim that the animal population has plummeted, with hundreds of animals unaccounted for.
Zoo Authorities
The zoo authorities attribute the discrepancy to a counting error.
Commercialization of Land
Activist/SWAZON View
Activists are concerned about the shrinking green space in Kolkata and oppose any commercialization.
Zoo Authorities
The zoo authorities have not issued any comment about the commercialization plan.
- Zoo Name
- Alipore Zoological Gardens
- Location
- Kolkata, India
- Group
- Save Wild Animals of ZOO and Our Nature (SWAZON)
- Alleged Animal Count Drop (end of FY23-24)
- 672
- Alleged Animal Count Drop (mid-2025)
- 321
- Type of Action
- Public interest litigation
- Court
- Calcutta High Court