Tamil actor Vikram's video with endangered gibbon prompts investigation

A video that showed Tamil film star Vikram gently cradling an endangered gibbon was removed from social media after sparking concerns about wildlife protection. The clip, which quickly went viral, prompted officials to launch an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the animal’s presence in India, a country where the species is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act and is prohibited from private ownership.

Authorities from the forest department and the wildlife crime cell have begun tracing the gibbon’s origin, examining whether it was illegally imported, rescued from trafficking, or obtained through a breach of the law. The investigation will assess compliance with national and international regulations governing endangered species, and any findings could lead to legal action against those responsible for the animal’s acquisition. The case underscores heightened scrutiny of celebrity involvement with protected wildlife and reinforces India’s commitment to enforcing strict conservation measures.