High Court slams mismanagement at Pilikula Zoo, warns of closure

Mangaluru: The Karnataka High Court has expressed strong displeasure over the shocking condition of animals and facilities at the famous Pilikula Biological Park in Mangaluru. After reviewing photographs and reports of severe neglect, the court warned the state government that if proper care cannot be ensured, the zoo should be shut down immediately.

Spread over nearly 370 acres, Pilikula Biological Park is known as one of India’s most natural and scenic zoos. The name “Pilikula” itself has historical significance—‘Pili’ means tiger and ‘Kula’ means lake, referring to the place where tigers once came to drink water. Developed as an international-level biological park, it has long served as a shelter for endangered wildlife of the Western Ghats and has been a major tourist attraction in coastal Karnataka.

However, what was once a model conservation centre has now reportedly turned into a picture of neglect and mismanagement. The deplorable conditions prevailing at the zoo came to light during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by wildlife activist Bhuvan.

During the proceedings, the High Court bench was shown disturbing images of rusted cages, polluted drinking water, unhygienic surroundings, and animals suffering due to lack of proper food and medical care. Shocked by the visuals, the judges came down heavily on the authorities for allowing such conditions to persist.

The court observed that the cages housing the animals were in extremely poor condition and lacked basic safety measures. Many animals were reportedly living in filthy enclosures without adequate hygiene or veterinary attention. Such negligence, the bench remarked, was a serious violation of animal welfare norms.

It was also revealed during the hearing that the operating license of Pilikula Zoo had expired on December 1, 2025. Despite this, the park continues to function without valid approval. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) had issued show-cause notices to the management in 2023 and again in 2025 highlighting serious deficiencies, but no effective corrective measures were taken.

The petitioner alleged that several animals are struggling for survival due to contaminated water, poor diet, and lack of timely treatment. According to the PIL, repeated warnings from regulatory bodies were ignored, resulting in worsening conditions.

Defending the government, counsel appearing for the Centre informed the court that an application for renewal of the zoo license has been submitted and is currently under consideration. However, the High Court refused to accept this justification, stating that procedural delays cannot be an excuse for cruelty and neglect.

“If you are not in a position to protect and care for the animals properly, shut down the zoo immediately,” the bench warned in strong words, directing authorities to take urgent corrective steps.

The matter has been adjourned to February 5 for further hearing, with the court seeking a detailed action report from the concerned departments.

The stern observations have sent shockwaves among wildlife lovers and conservationists, who are now hoping that the judicial intervention will force authorities to restore Pilikula Zoo to acceptable standards.