In an operation, the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) of the Forest Department on Sunday raided the Manorama Mini Zoo in Mujibnagar, Meherpur, and rescued 27 wild animals being kept and displayed illegally.
The rescued animals include two hanumans (langurs), two monkeys, eight black kites (locally known as kalem), one porcupine, one python, one green pigeon (horiyal), four munias, one parakeet, one turtle, and four sand ducks (bali hash).
Officials said the zoo had been housing and exhibiting these animals without proper authorization for an extended period.
Wildlife Inspector Ashim Mallik of the WCCU said the raid followed complaints and concerns raised by wildlife conservation organizations regarding illegal activities at the facility.
“Legal proceedings are being conducted under Sections 6 and 34(b) of the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012,” he said, adding that the rescued animals are currently in the custody of the Forest Department and are receiving necessary medical care.
The animals will be rehabilitated and released into the wild once they are deemed fit.
Mallik also emphasized the importance of public awareness in combating wildlife crime and reaffirmed the Forest Department’s commitment to continuing such enforcement operations.
