Chiyaan Vikram, the popular Indian actor, is in trouble after posting a video of an endangered exotic pet on his social media. The video of the actor holding, cuddling and playing with the lar gibbon was soon viral on the internet before it was removed. The matter had come to a head after the abrupt removal of the primate in the wake of public anger and a formal probe by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department to ascertain the legal status of the primate.
As if it wasn’t an affectionate moment between a celebrity and an animal, it turned into a serious legal concern. The clip has reportedly been shot in a relative’s home in Chennai, where the endangered primate is being kept. The video was viewed by millions of people on platforms like YouTube and Facebook within hours of its posting and was the subject of much discussion by wildlife enthusiasts and fans.
The video version of the virus has caused an instant reaction.
The scene shows Vikram cuddling and holding the light-furred gibbon in his arms, indicating a warm and affectionate relationship. The clip also includes a close-up of Vikram hugging and holding the light-furred gibbon, suggesting a close bond between the two. The social media users and environmental activists quickly reported, however, that the lar gibbon is an endangered species found in Southeast Asia and is protected under strict international and national conservation laws. Some commenters doubted the ability of a homeowner to appropriately maintain such an animal and whether this would be in accordance with wildlife protection standards.
The criticism grew on various social media platforms, and wildlife authorities were notified of the situation. The pros of promoting exotic pets publicly were also pointed out, with the danger of illegal poaching and inadequate husbandry in the country raised as a concern. In response to this, with the increasing pressure from the public and official attention, Vikram immediately deleted the clip from his official accounts, but the clip had become virulent on the internet.
The forest department has begun an inquiry.
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department began an official inquiry into the issue after the viral media and animal welfare activists complained. The legal ownership documentation of the exotic primate, the documentation for CITES clearance for the exotic primate and the original import source of the exotic primate are at present being examined. Indian legislation under the Wildlife Protection Act, simplified in 2019, includes a list of exotic animals that must be properly registered and documented, with strict regulations.
The authorities said it has been actively checking if the animal’s keepers had the required permits to keep the gibbon in Chennai. Investigators are trying to figure out if the primate was legally imported into the country or through illegal channels. The department said that all national regulations must be followed, no matter what the individual’s reputation is.
To address issues with exotic pets and legal restrictions, the following rules were introduced.
International conservation organisations have listed the larva for endangered status because of the severe loss of its habitat and illegal hunting. Strict laws are in place in India to control the export, import, sale and purchase of foreign species of wild animals and birds in order to curb the illegal trade in wildlife species. As per the existing legislation, any non-native animal must be reported to official government websites so it can be monitored properly and given a good life.
Authorities have stressed the public need to be aware of exotic pet legislation as the investigation progresses. Regional forest officers are keeping a close watch on the situation and will issue more statements when the investigation is complete. Vikram and his team have yet to make any official public comment about the investigation.
See the video here:
More from Wake Up Singapore:
SNSD’s Sooyoung and Jung Kyung Ho: K-Entertainment Power Couple SPLITS After 14 Years
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” makes USD 1.67 billion in its second week
“The Odyssey” is now Christopher Nolan’s highest-earning film
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
