Pet langur rescued from circus, sent to Nehru Zoo

Hyderabad: A six-year old female langur that had been part of a small circus in Dammaiguda was seized and released to the Nehru Zoological Park on Monday following a complaint. The circus, operated by Buchi Babu, a resident of Dammaiguda, had been using the langur for public entertainment, training it to walk on a rope.

Babu, who moved to Dammaiguda from Ibrahim Patnam 10 years ago, reportedly kept the langur as part of his livelihood, along with a snake. However, the snake was not found and is believed to be a rumour.

According to authorities, Babu had been exhibiting the langur for over four years, having previously owned another langur that passed away long back. The langur was reportedly treated like a pet, sharing meals and living spaces with the family. It was noted that the langur only ate when family members were around, indicating the close bond it had with them.

Forest Range Officer (FRO) Vishnu Vardhan Rao of Keesara, acting on the complaint, conducted an investigation and seized the animal. A case was registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which classifies langurs as a protected species under Schedule II, making their illegal capture or exhibition punishable by law. “Babu has been warned, and a fine is expected to be imposed.” Rao said.

The langur was transferred to Nehru Zoological Park for rehabilitation. Officials from the zoo have reported that the animal is healthy and adjusting well to its new environment. Since it had been domesticated and treated like a family pet, the transition to the zoo may take some time.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the animal's behaviour to ensure its well-being.