Video of actor Vikram with Lar Gibbon: Tamil Nadu Forest Department probes
Sources said the trail of the Lar Gibbons can be traced to Erode and, before that, to Manipur
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is investigating possession of a Lar Gibbon following a viral video of actor Vikram playing with and hugging the animal. The animal has since been relocated from businessman C.K. Ranganathan's residence in Injambakkam to Erode. The Lar Gibbon (Hylobates lar) is classified as an endangered species under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Importing a Lar Gibbon requires necessary permits from the DGFT and the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state. The Gibbons in question allegedly originated from Malaysia and were declared in 2020 by Manipur-based stockholder Laikhuram Singh. A subsequent transfer in Erode raised questions as one of the animals reportedly died before adoption.
The department is now verifying the circumstances surrounding the Gibbons' entry into Tamil Nadu and compliance with all regulatory requirements. Wildlife experts warn that keeping primates as pets can pose health risks and fuel illegal wildlife trade.
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