Actor Vikram's Pet Gibbon Sparks Outrage

Actor Vikram has drawn criticism after posting a video of himself with a lar gibbon, a species protected under CITES and classified as endangered by the IUCN. Conservationists expressed shock, deeming the keeping of such an exotic primate as a pet in Chennai unacceptable.

Wildlife authorities are now investigating the matter. They plan to verify the origin of the lar gibbon and ascertain if Vikram possessed valid documentation for its procurement. The lar gibbon is protected under Appendix I of CITES and Schedule IV of India's Wildlife Protection Act, making its trade and possession highly regulated.

Experts note that lar gibbons are arboreal animals requiring extensive tree canopies, and their confinement can negatively impact their behavior. The animal in the video appeared to be an adult, suggesting it was not recently acquired, hinting at potential illegal breeding and trade activities within the country.