Authorities in West Bengal have reshuffled the administration of Kolkata’s Alipore Zoo after a report showed the number of animals had halved in recent years, triggering a court case and a public outcry over possible trafficking.
A forest department order transferred Arun Mukhopadhyay, who had been holding additional charge as zoo director, to Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, where he will serve as director and chief wildlife warden. He has been replaced by IFS officer Tripti Shah, who previously worked as additional project director at the Institute of Environment and Wetland Management.
Officials said the overhaul of the zoo administration comes amid mounting pressure after documents suggested the zoo’s recorded animal population fell from 672 to 351, leaving 321 animals unaccounted for. Animal rights groups have alleged possible smuggling or sales, while others suspect land-sale plans may be behind the reduction.
The controversy has already reached the Calcutta High Court, where a public interest petition has sought explanations from the state and zoo authorities. The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 1.
In response, the forest department has ordered an internal inquiry, tightened security at animal enclosures with additional CCTV and guards, and moved to install new leadership.
“An investigation is under way, both by the department and the zoo itself,” a senior forest official said. “We will not comment until the full report is ready. For now, the priority is ensuring smooth functioning under the new director.”
The zoo, one of India’s oldest, has faced criticism from conservationists and the public after the report sparked fears that hundreds of animals may have vanished without explanation.
