Three outsourced forest personnel at Ambardi Safari Park in the Amreli district of Gujarat have been relieved of their duties following a viral social media video that captured them chasing a lion on motorcycles. The incident, which occurred during the recent Diwali festival, prompted an immediate administrative response from the park authorities.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Jaipal Singh confirmed that an inquiry was initiated following the circulation of the footage. According to Mr. Singh, the standard operating procedure for guiding lions back to their designated enclosures, known as "kraals," requires the use of a jeep. The decision to use motorcycles instead of the approved vehicle led to the formal dismissal of the three individuals involved.
In-charge Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Mitesh Vaniya provided further context, noting that the incident took place during the busy Diwali holiday season. The park, which covers approximately 300 hectares, maintains a routine in which lions are fed daily at 5:00 pm within a 100x100-metre fenced area. Officials stated that staff were attempting to direct a lion that had strayed from this kraal back into its enclosure.
Mr. Vaniya rejected claims that the lion had been mistreated or harassed by the staff, stating that there was no such intention behind their actions. He highlighted the significant pressure on the forest team, noting that they had been working 12-hour shifts to manage the heavy influx of tourists during the festival period. Despite this, the management emphasized that safety and standard procedures remain a priority for the facility.
Key facts
- The incident occurred at Ambardi Safari Park, located in the Amreli district of Gujarat.
- Three outsourced forest staff members were relieved of their duties after the video surfaced.
- Standard protocols dictate that forest staff should use a jeep to guide lions, not motorcycles.
- The incident was recorded during the busy Diwali festival period when the park saw heavy tourist traffic.
- In-charge ACF Mitesh Vaniya denied that the lion was subjected to harassment during the operation.
Why it matters
The dismissal serves as a firm reminder of the strict operational protocols required within wildlife safari parks to ensure the safety of both the animals and the staff. While the park faced significant operational strain due to holiday tourist crowds, authorities have prioritized maintaining established safety standards over convenience.
Background
Ambardi Safari Park is a protected area where forest officials perform routine daily management tasks, including ensuring lions are safely guided into fenced enclosures for feeding at dusk.
Source: Times of India
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