Stories
Activist Alleges Illegal Animal Slaughter in Delhi Zoo; Authority Denies Claims
- •Wildlife activist Ajai Dubey has approached the PMO, alleging unauthorized animal slaughtering inside the Delhi Zoo premises since 2024 to feed carnivores, without proper permissions.
- •Dubey claims fresh meat for carnivorous animals should be procured through government-approved tenders from authorized slaughterhouses, not from within the zoo.
- •Delhi Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar denies the allegations, stating meat is procured through the GeM process and tendering, and the zoo cannot slaughter animals on its premises.
- •The activist's complaint also details other alleged irregularities, including issues with construction works, maintenance expenditure, animal welfare, veterinary management, ticketing black marketing, and unauthorized tree felling.
- •Dubey seeks an independent investigation by agencies outside the National Zoological Park, along with financial, technical, and administrative audits, and preservation of relevant evidence.
Key Questions Answered
Wildlife activist Ajai Dubey approached the PMO alleging that animals meant for carnivorous animals were being illegally slaughtered inside the National Zoological Park premises without required authorization since 2024, and claimed that CCTV cameras covering the location were damaged. Delhi Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar denied these allegations, stating that meat is procured through official tendering and the GeM process. The MCD also confirmed that while the zoo procures meat from authorized sources, slaughtering inside its premises is prohibited.
Dubey's complaint detailed multiple administrative and environmental concerns, including unauthorized tree felling of over 168 trees between December 2024 and January 2025, organized black marketing of entry tickets by staff and security, mismanagement of construction materials, and animal welfare issues such as animal deaths and veterinary management. He requested a comprehensive independent, financial, technical, and forensic audit of the zoo's records and operations.
Several animal deaths have drawn scrutiny at the Delhi Zoo, including a hog deer found dead in a decomposing condition with its neck stuck in a wire mesh on August 8, 2026. Earlier in March 2026, a nilgai and a jackal died within three days of each other due to old-age complications, following other fatalities such as a Sangai deer and a female antelope. Staff inquiries and letters have raised serious concerns regarding gaps in animal monitoring, delayed reporting, and adherence to enclosure inspection instructions.