The 11 exotic animals seized by the Forest Department from a farmhouse in Perundurai, including two Lar gibbons, seven African serval cats, and two tufted capuchin monkeys, are likely to be shifted to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur in Chennai on Thursday.

The farmhouse belonged to S.K. Keshavanathan, the owner of the Lar gibbons shown in a recent video involving actor Vikram. Following the video, the Forest Department inspected the farmhouse and seized the animals.

The Forest Department has approached a court seeking permission to shift the animals to the zoo, citing its inability to maintain them. The court, on Tuesday, issued a notice to Mr. Keshavanathan seeking his response. The court’s order on the department’s plea is expected on Thursday.

K.V. Appala Naidu, District Forest Officer, Erode, told The Hindu that the animals were seized as per procedure and that the department had sought the court’s permission to transfer them to a zoo. However, the decision to release the animals back to their owner or permit their transfer to a zoo rests with the court.

Sources said that, as the animals are of exotic species, they could be transported only by a registered breeder under the supervision of the Forest Department. The animals have remained under the control of the Forest Department since it registered a case against Mr. Keshavanathan on August 14 under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and the relevant rules governing the possession and registration of live animal species.

The case was registered for failing to register three Lar gibbons within the stipulated 30-day period after acquiring them from their previous owner and for not informing the Forest Department about the death of one of the animals. As the department did not have the facilities to maintain the exotic animals, its personnel were deputed to the farmhouse to monitor them.

The seized animals comprise two Lar gibbons — a male and a female, seven African serval cats — three males and four females, and two tufted capuchin monkeys — a male and a female.

Published - August 19, 2026 08:32 pm IST