The state government’s reasoning for the removal of hoolock gibbons from a wildlife rescue centre in Garo Hills to the new state zoo in Ri-Bhoi has not proved satisfactory to the A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK), which has posed a series of questions for the government.
The state government’s decision to relocate the animals has proven a highly unpopular one with the Garo Hills’ public, who would rather keep the primates at the Sonja Wildlife Rescue Centre in Tura.
However, the state government said that the centre is not a natural forest habitat for the animals, is not recognised or approved by the Central Zoo Authority and has had its permission withdrawn by the Nokma of Silchotchigre.
Today, ACHIK shot back with seven questions, including a query as to why the government has not upgraded it if it is inadequate in any way and why relocate the gibbons instead of improving their local facilities. The group also wondered why elephants that cause much damage to crops and village homes are not relocated to the zoo in Ri-Bhoi.
