Tourism or Wildlife Harassment? Viral Video From Gujarat's Amberdi Safari Park Raises Concerns

AMRELI, Nov 15: A viral video allegedly showing forest department employees harassing an Asiatic lion at Amberdi Safari Park in Dhari, Gujarat's Amreli district, has triggered questions over wildlife protection and the conduct of park personnel.

The incident comes as Amberdi Safari Park has been attracting large numbers of visitors during the Diwali holiday season, with tourists arriving to see lions, leopards, deer and other wildlife in their natural surroundings.

The video circulating on social media reportedly shows forest department employees following a lion on motorcycles, while a Bolero vehicle is also seen behind the animal. The staff members allegedly move around the lion from different directions, raising concerns that the animal was being unnecessarily disturbed.

The circumstances surrounding the incident, including why the vehicles were following the lion and whether the employees were acting under official instructions, remain unclear.

The conduct has also raised questions about the pressure of increasing tourist activity on wildlife and the responsibility of forest officials to ensure animals are not subjected to unnecessary stress or harassment.

Reports surrounding the incident have also questioned whether senior forest officials were aware of the employees' actions. Dhari Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Vikas Yadav has reportedly not provided clarification on the matter.

Under India's Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Asiatic lion is listed under Schedule I, which provides the highest level of legal protection to wildlife species.

Hunting, injuring or harming protected animals can attract serious legal consequences, including imprisonment and fines, subject to the applicable provisions of the law.

The incident has prompted questions about whether the viral footage will be investigated and whether disciplinary or legal action will be taken against the employees involved, if wrongdoing is established.

It also raises a broader question about accountability: whether wildlife protection laws are enforced equally against members of the public and those entrusted with protecting animals.