---
title: "Lar gibbon case: 11 exotic animals likely headed to Chennai zoo"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/lar-gibbon-case-animals-to-zoo-6kmdh
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Society
published: 2026-08-20T12:00:33.884Z
modified: 2026-08-20T13:30:06.706Z
language: en-IN
---

# Lar gibbon case: 11 exotic animals likely headed to Chennai zoo

Forest officials say 11 exotic animals seized from a Perundurai farmhouse could be shifted to Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai, pending court permission after a case under the Wildlife Protection Act.

## Key takeaways

- Eleven exotic animals were seized from a farmhouse in Perundurai, Erode district.
- The animals include two lar gibbons, seven African serval cats, and two tufted capuchin monkeys.
- The court has been issued a notice to the owner, with a transfer decision due on Thursday.

## What Happened

The Forest Department seized 11 exotic animals from a farmhouse in Perundurai, Erode district. The animals include two lar gibbons (a male and a female), seven African serval cats (three males and four females), and two tufted capuchin monkeys (one male and one female). The department has approached a court seeking permission to transfer the animals to a zoo, citing an inability to maintain them at the farmhouse. A court notice has been issued to the owner, S.K. Keshavanathan, and a decision on the transfer is expected on Thursday. The animals are currently under the department’s control since a case was registered on August 14 under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and related rules for possession and registration of live animal species.

The owners and the department have noted that, because the animals are exotic species, transport would require a registered breeder under departmental supervision.

## Why It Matters

The case highlights regulatory processes surrounding exotic species and the authority of forest authorities to relocate wildlife when a facility is unavailable to maintain them. It also involves court involvement in determining the fate of seized animals and clarifies procedural requirements for transporting non-native species.

## Background

The farmhouse belonged to the animal’s owner, and a video involving actor Vikram connected to the lar gibbons prompted the forest inspection. The department registered the case for failing to register three lar gibbons within 30 days of acquisition and for not informing the department about the death of one animal. The department has stated it lacks facilities to maintain these exotic animals, leading to the proposed transfer to a zoo rather than return to the owner.

## Key Facts

- 11 exotic animals seized from a farmhouse in Perundurai, Erode district.
- Species: 2 lar gibbons (male and female), 7 African serval cats (3 males, 4 females), 2 tufted capuchin monkeys (male and female).
- Owner: S.K. Keshavanathan.
- The seizure followed a video involving actor Vikram.
- Forest Department sought court permission to transfer the animals to Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai.
- A court notice was issued to the owner; decision on transfer expected Thursday.
- Case registered on August 14 under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for registration lapses and failure to report a death.
- Transport of exotic animals would require a registered breeder under Forest Department supervision.

## What Happens Next

The court is expected to decide on the department’s transfer plea on the scheduled day. If permission is granted, the animals would likely be moved to Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur, Chennai, under the supervision of a registered breeder and Forest Department oversight.

---
Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/lar-gibbon-case-animals-to-zoo-6kmdh
Reported from: Multiple Sources