Indian Actor’s Gibbon Video Sparks Wildlife Investigation

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:47:18 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A viral clip of Tamil star Vikram interacting with a lar gibbon has led to an inquiry into wildlife‑law violations, raising questions about the legal status of the endangered primate.

The short video posted by Vikram showed him playing with a lar gibbon, an endangered species protected under CITES. Forest officials are probing how the animal entered a private residence in Chennai, tracing its movements from Manipur to Tamil Nadu. No evidence yet of trafficking or violation of permits, but the investigation is scrutinizing all documentation. The case underscores rising concerns over the illegal exotic‑animal trade into India.

Indian Actor’s Gibbon Video Sparks Wildlife Investigation

A short clip posted on Instagram by Tamil‑film star Vikram showed him cuddling a lar gibbon, an endangered primate protected under CITES. The post was deleted hours later, but the footage spread quickly online as a claim that the actor had a new pet. Forest officials began a probe to determine how the animal ended up in a private residence in Chennai and whether required permits were obtained.

The species is native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Its numbers are threatened by habitat loss, hunting and the illegal pet trade, and it is listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). India incorporates CITES provisions into its wildlife laws, mandating registration and documentation for exotic pets.

Investigators traced the gibbons’ journey, noting that records show the animals were transferred from Manipur in 2020 to a person in Perundurai, Tamil Nadu, and later moved to Vikram’s relative in Chennai. No record yet confirms that the Tamil Nadu forest department had granted permission for the transfer, raising questions about compliance at each step.

The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and the forest department are examining the paperwork. The case highlights growing concerns about exotic animal trafficking into India, with customs officials routinely intercepting reptiles, birds and primates from Southeast Asia.

Vikram has not yet made a statement. His public relations officer says an explanation will be released if the actor comments on the matter.