Animals Vanishing from Tripura’s Only Zoo, Questions Over Management at Sepahijala Zoological Park
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, June 2, 2026
Serious concerns have emerged over the declining animal population and alleged financial irregularities at Sepahijala Zoological Park, Tripura's only zoological park and one of the state's most important wildlife conservation centers.
According to wildlife enthusiasts and long-time employees associated with the zoo, the number of animals and birds inside the zoo has fallen drastically over the past few years. They claim that compared to two years ago, less than half of the earlier population of several species now remains within the zoo premises.
Particularly alarming, they say, is the sharp decline in the number of free-ranging monkeys and deer that were once commonly seen throughout the forested areas of the sanctuary. According to these allegations, many animals may have left the zoo's forest areas in search of food due to inadequate feeding and poor habitat management.
Allegations of Neglect and Mismanagement
A senior animal lover who has worked at the zoo for several years alleged that officials posted at Sepahijala in recent years treated the institution merely as a place of employment rather than a center for wildlife conservation.
The individual alleged that funds earmarked for animal maintenance, feed, and welfare were not fully utilized for the intended purpose and that animals were often deprived of proper care while financial resources were allegedly misappropriated.
The source further claimed that routine visits by senior Forest Department officials often failed to reveal the true situation on the ground, as inspections were allegedly reduced to formal exercises and officials were presented with favorable reports.
Questions have also been raised regarding the role of the current Wildlife Warden, Niranjan Debnath, with critics alleging that administrative priorities have overshadowed direct attention to animal welfare. These allegations, however, have not been officially verified.
Zoo Houses Nearly 250 Animals of 32 Species
Official records indicate that Sepahijala Zoological Park currently houses approximately 250 animals and birds belonging to 32 different species. These include:
Asiatic Black Bears
Clouded Leopards
Indian Lions
Fishing Cats
Pig-tailed Macaques
Spectacled Langurs
Hoolock Gibbons
Black Bucks
Various species of turtles, crocodiles, vultures, hornbills and reptiles
The zoo remains particularly famous for its successful conservation breeding programme of the rare Clouded Leopard, a flagship species of Northeast India.
The controversy has gained further significance following an inspection report submitted by former Sepahijala District Forest Officer, Sumit Deb, IFS.
The report reportedly examined zoo operations between April 2022 and March 2025 and highlighted alleged large-scale financial and administrative irregularities during the tenure of former Zoo Director Biswajit Das, who currently serves as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman.
According to the report, the zoo receives approximately Rs.2 crore annually for animal feed and veterinary medicines.
Rs. 4 crore annually for construction, maintenance and related works.
The inspection reportedly found irregularities in procurement procedures, maintenance of financial records, stock registers, cash books and utilization of Central Zoo Authority funds.
Among the allegations were Procurement without proper tender procedure, improper maintenance of cash books and stock registers.
The report reportedly suggested that the pattern of transactions indicated either gross negligence or deliberate misuse of government funds and recommended an independent audit by the Directorate of Audit, Government of Tripura.
Despite the submission of the inspection report in October 2025, sources claim that no special audit, finance inspection or departmental inquiry has yet been initiated.
Critics argue that the absence of follow-up action has raised concerns within the Forest Department, especially given the importance of Sepahijala as Tripura's premier wildlife institution and tourist destination.
A Sanctuary of National Importance
Established in 1972, Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary covers approximately 18.53 square kilometres and serves as a wildlife sanctuary, zoological park, botanical garden, research centre and major tourist attraction.
Located about 25 kilometres from Agartala, the sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity, housing more than 150 bird species and several rare mammals native to Northeast India.
Conservationists warn that if allegations regarding declining animal populations, inadequate feeding and financial mismanagement are found to be true, the issue could seriously affect both wildlife conservation and the reputation of Tripura's only zoo.
As of now, no official response has been issued by the Forest Department regarding the long-pending allegations of animal decline, food shortages, or the findings highlighted in the inspection report. Independent verification of several claims made by employees and wildlife enthusiasts is still awaited.
The matter is expected to attract wider public attention as conservationists, animal welfare activists and concerned citizens call for a transparent audit and comprehensive review of the functioning of Sepahijala Zoological Park.
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