Actor Vikram’s Deleted Video Raises Wildlife Mystery: How Did Endangered Gibbons Reach Chennai?

A video posted and later deleted by actor Vikram has triggered a wildlife investigation in Tamil Nadu, putting the spotlight on the suspected unauthorised possession and transfer of endangered Lar Gibbons.

The Lar Gibbon ( Hylobates lar) is a small, tree-dwelling ape native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. It is found in Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos and is not native to India. The species is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with habitat loss and the illegal exotic pet trade posing major threats to its survival.

The controversy erupted after Vikram shared a video showing him cuddling one of the animals. The video was subsequently removed from social media after drawing criticism from wildlife activists. The post prompted forest officials to investigate the legality of possessing and transferring the protected exotic primates.

A preliminary inquiry found that three Lar Gibbons, one male and two females, had allegedly been brought from Malaysia and transferred from Manipur to Erode in the first week of June. The animals were later moved to a farmhouse in Injambakkam, Chennai, officials said.

An Erode forest team that visited a breeder’s farm on Tuesday found two Lar Gibbons. Officials said the third, a female, had died, and her death had not been reported to the department. The cause and age of the animal were not immediately known.

Under the Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024, the death of a registered animal must be reported along with a post-mortem report issued by a veterinarian.

Officials are now examining the alleged transfers and ownership of the animals. Preliminary findings indicate that the gibbons were allegedly transferred by Erode-based businessman S K Keshavanathan. The animals were reportedly sourced from Malaysia.

The transfer of a Schedule IV living animal must be reported and registered under Section 49M of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Possession, transfer or breeding is permitted only in accordance with the law and prescribed rules.

Teams from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are inspecting the Erode farm, while the Forest Department is considering seizing the animals.

Officials also found that businessman C K Ranganathan had filed a purchase application on August 5, but approval for the transfer was still pending before the Chief Wildlife Warden.

Authorities said violations involving illegal possession, unauthorised transit or failure to register a Schedule IV exotic animal can attract up to three years’ imprisonment, a financial penalty, or both. The investigation is continuing.