High Court Orders Immediate Closure of Pilikula Zoo Over Animal Welfare Lapses

Mangaluru: The High Court has ordered the immediate closure of Pilikula Zoo after expressing serious concern over the poor condition of animals housed at the facility. The directive came after judges reviewed photographs that revealed alleged neglect, unhygienic surroundings, and unsafe enclosures.

Pilikula Nisargadhama, a well-known tourist and family destination in Dakshina Kannada, came under sharp criticism during the hearing. The court observed that the condition of the animals reflected grave mismanagement and administrative negligence by the authorities running the zoo.

Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by wildlife conservationist Bhuvan, the bench took strong exception to rusted cages, lack of cleanliness, and inadequate medical care for the animals. The judges warned the government that if animals are being kept in such a miserable state, the zoo cannot be allowed to function and must be shut down immediately.

The court also raised serious questions about the zoo’s legal status, noting that its operating licence is believed to have expired in December 2025. Concerns were further raised that animals are falling ill due to contaminated drinking water and lack of timely veterinary treatment, leading to visible deterioration in their health.

It was pointed out during the hearing that the Central Zoo Authority had earlier issued a show-cause notice to the zoo management. However, the authorities allegedly failed to respond or take corrective action.

The alarming state of one of the coastal region’s major tourist attractions has sparked widespread concern among animal welfare activists and the public, with the High Court making it clear that animal safety and dignity cannot be compromised.