Vikram’s Lar Gibbon Video Triggers Wildlife Scrutiny

A viral video of actor and playback singer Chiyaan Vikram interacting with a Lar Gibbon has triggered a wildlife controversy, with activists questioning whether the primate is being kept legally. What began as a celebrity social media moment has quickly escalated into a debate on exotic animal ownership, wildlife law and the message celebrities send when wild animals are portrayed as pets.

Beyond celebrity

The controversy is no longer just about Vikram. The key question is whether the Lar Gibbon has a legally verifiable paper trail under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and CITES-linked regulations. “Indian law does not impose a blanket ban on keeping exotic animals as pets, but it is tightly regulated under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972,” says Shraddha Gupta, practising advocate and partner at The Law Chambers.

“Following the 2022 amendment, CITES-listed species such as the Lar Gibbon must be registered with the Chief Wildlife Warden through the PARIVESH 2.0 portal. Authorities can seek records of the animal’s acquisition, registration, transfer and import permissions. The animal must be legally documented and follow the Act plus the Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024,” she adds.

A gibbon is not a pet

Archana Naidu, Co-Founder of Society for Animal Aid, says social media has blurred the line between legality and ethics. “A gibbon is a wild primate with complex behavioural and social needs. Legality is a floor, not a moral ceiling. Loving an animal and owning one that was never meant to be owned are not the same thing,” she says.

Naidu argues that celebrity images with exotic wildlife can unintentionally glamourise ownership and create aspirational demand, even when the legal status of the animal remains unclear.

Forest department steps in

Chennai Wildlife Warden Kulal Yogesh Vilas said officials will verify the primate’s origin, purchase records and compliance documents.