Karnataka Tells High Court Pilikula Zoo Will Be Transferred To Forest Department

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Tuesday informed the High Court that the Pilikula Zoo in Dakshina Kannada district will be transferred to the Forest Department as part of efforts to strengthen its management and ensure better protection of wildlife.

The submission was made during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which has sought directions restraining authorities from permitting Kambala events near the Pilikula Biological Park.

Appearing for the state, Advocate General K. Shashikiran Shetty told a division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice K.S. Hemalekha that the zoo would be brought under the control of the Forest Department. He also informed the court that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) would be executed among the Forest Department, the Pilikula Development Authority and the Karnataka Zoo Authority to govern the management and administration of the zoo.

The Advocate General assured the court that the welfare and protection of the 652 animals housed at the zoo would remain the government's top priority. He said the proposed transfer would facilitate better coordination and ensure that the animals receive proper care in accordance with statutory norms.

During the hearing, the bench sought further clarification from the state on the scope of the proposed transfer. The judges asked whether only the zoo and the animals would come under the Forest Department's control or whether the entire Pilikula Biological Park would also be transferred.

The court directed the state government to file a detailed explanation on the proposed arrangement, including the geographical extent of the transfer and the future management of the biological park.

The PIL filed by PETA raises concerns over the possible impact of Kambala events conducted near the zoo on the welfare of captive animals and seeks measures to safeguard them from disturbance.

After recording the government's submissions, the High Court adjourned the matter to September 1 for further hearing.