Where Did the Animals Go? Citizens Protest Disappearance of Animals from Alipore Zoo

Kolkata, July 24, 2025 In a charged public meeting at the Indian Association hall, members of Save Wild Animals of Alipore Zoo and Our Nature (SWAZON), a voluntary collective, raised serious concerns over the alleged disappearance of animals from Kolkata’s historic Alipore Zoo, the covert reduction of biodiversity, and the controversial land allotment to the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) for commercial development.

Citing discrepancies in official inventory records, SWAZON presented alarming statistics: the total number of animals at the zoo dropped from 1,452 on April 1, 2011 to just 351 on April 1, 2024. Of grave concern is the record from March 31 to April 1, 2024, which allegedly shows a drop of over 300 animals overnight, a discrepancy SWAZON demands be urgently investigated.

SWAZON member Dr. Mahalaya Chatterjee emphasized the ecological and educational role of zoos, particularly their contribution to the Conservation Breeding Programme for endangered species. She pointed to the lake area as a seasonal haven for migratory birds and recalled the case of “Thyangkata,” a tiger successfully treated at the Alipore Zoo’s veterinary hospital in 2008.

However, the recent e-Auction notice by HIDCO has reignited public outcry. The May 23 tender proposes commercial development on 166.50 kathas (approx. 11,137.5 sq. m) of land located at 34A Belvedere Road, the very site of the zoo’s veterinary hospital and rescue center. The auction, which mandates construction of an Underwater Aquarium and Marine Museum, has been labelled a step toward “monetization” of public land by SWAZON.

“There were zero tigers and lions in the inventory,” said Swarnali Chattopadhya, raising suspicions over data manipulation. “The endangered species count has dropped from 32 in 1995-96 to zero in 2024-25. Official explanations citing ‘typing errors’ are unacceptable.”

Dipankar Saha, urban planner and SWAZON member, warned of legal violations under the Forest Conservation Act, Town Planning Act, and Bengal Park Act, which prohibit commercial use of such land. “The land does not belong to the government or the Kolkata Municipal Corporation—it belongs to the people,” he said, referencing the zoo’s colonial-era origins and lack of legal land deeds. “If this continues, the zoo may lose legal recognition and be permanently shut down.”

The hearing on the matter at the Calcutta High Court was held on July 24. Following public pressure, HIDCO’s initial e-Auction memo was cancelled, offering momentary relief to campaigners. However, a second e-Auction has now been announced for September 2, 2025, prompting SWAZON to escalate their protest.

The public meeting’s Guest of Honour, former Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar, echoed the collective’s concerns. “Where are the animals going? Is it negligence or manipulation?” he asked, adding that the government is merely a “caretaker,” not the owner of public infrastructure. He suggested Rajarhat as a more suitable location for the proposed marine museum, rather than displacing an existing institution.

Asserting that the Alipore Zoo has already been downgraded from a Large Zoo to a Medium Zoo, Dr. Banhi Chakraborty warned that any further encroachment would strip the institution of legal status. “This is no longer just about the zoo. It’s about Kolkata’s ecological soul,” she said.

To keep the pressure alive, West Bengal Vigyan Manch has called for a public demonstration on July 30 at 4 PM at the Alipore Zoo gate. The collective continues to seek public support to protect Kolkata’s green heritage from what they believe is a looming ecological and civic crisis.