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Wildlife NGO Faces Probe for Alleged Crimes
29 Sep
Summary
- NGO staff traced to leopard skins seized in UP.
- Staff also linked to ivory seizure and elephant smuggling.
- Facilities inspected for alleged violations of wildlife law.
An investigation is underway concerning allegations of wildlife crime against the NGO Wildlife SOS. Authorities are examining claims that the organization, which operates numerous facilities across several states, may itself be involved in illegal activities. This intensified after the Madhya Pradesh tiger strike force traced leopard skins, seized in Uttar Pradesh, back to NGO staff.
Further complicating matters, NGO staff have reportedly been named in connection with a 2022 case involving the seizure of 30kg of ivory and alleged elephant smuggling. In response to these concerns, the Central Zoo Authority recently mandated inspections of Wildlife SOS facilities in six states and one union territory. These inspections are to assess compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, particularly regarding the maintenance of animal provenance and count records.
