Tamil Nadu authorities investigate actor Vikram over endangered Lar Gibbon possession

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau have launched an investigation into the possession of endangered Lar Gibbons following a viral video featuring actor Vikram. The video, which showed the actor interacting with a young primate, was later deleted following public scrutiny and criticism from wildlife activists.

Authorities have issued notices to the actor and are investigating the ownership and registration of the animals. Officials from the Erode Forest Division reported that the registration process for the primates was incomplete. The investigation is also looking into the death of a female Lar Gibbon that was allegedly not reported to authorities, which is a violation of the Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024.

The Lar Gibbon is an endangered species listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and is protected under India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act. Investigators are seeking documentation regarding the purchase and transfer of the animals, which were reportedly moved from a breeding farm to a residence in Chennai.