Vikram's Lar Gibbon Video Sparks Wildlife Probe

Tamil actor Chiyaan Vikram has sparked a wildlife probe after posting a video featuring him hugging a Lar Gibbon, which has raised questions about the exotic animal's ownership and legality in India. The video, which was initially shared on social media, has since been deleted by the actor amid online backlash.

The Lar Gibbon in question belongs to CK Ranganathan, the Founder Chairman of CavinKare and father-in-law of Vikram's daughter Akshita. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is investigating the case and examining the history of the animal, which is listed under Appendix I of CITES and Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act of India.

The animal was moved to Erode from CK Ranganathan's residence in Injambakkam, and its trail can be traced back to Manipur. A Manipur-based stockholder, Laikhuram Singh, declared eight Lar Gibbons in 2020 under the declaration of stock of exotic live species through PARIVESH 1. The country of origin of the Lar Gibbons is Malaysia, and CK Ranganathan obtained the animals from S.K. Keshavanathan in Perundurai, Erode.

The controversy surrounding the video has raised questions about the legality of keeping exotic animals as pets in India. The Lar Gibbon is a wild primate that inhabits the Southeast Asian region and is highly regulated through international and Indian wildlife laws.

## What's at stake The investigation by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department will examine the history of the animal and determine whether its ownership and possession are legal. The case has also sparked a wider debate about the ownership of exotic animals in India and the need for stricter regulations to protect wildlife.

The incident has also led to online criticism of celebrities who keep exotic wildlife without proper permissions. The case is a reminder of the need for responsible pet ownership and the importance of adhering to wildlife laws and regulations.