Pune: Shed Deer Antlers At Katraj Zoo Disposed Of Safely Following Wildlife Regulations
Pune: Shed Deer Antlers At Katraj Zoo Disposed Of Safely Following Wildlife Regulations
Pune, May 27, 2025 – In a lawful and respectful procedure, shed antlers of deer species at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Katraj, were disposed of in accordance with the Wildlife Disposal of Wild Animal Article Rules, 2023. The initiative was undertaken following a request by the Pune Municipal Corporation and under the guidance of Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial), Pune.
The disposal took place on May 27 at 11 am within the zoo premises. A total of 176 naturally shed antlers from species like sambar, chital, and barking deer had been collected over time. These were safely incinerated using a gas-based incinerator at the zoo. The entire process was carried out transparently, supported by official documentation, video recording, and a formal panchnama.
Present at the event were Deputy Conservator of Forests Tushar Chavan, Assistant Conservator of Forests Mangesh Tate, Range Forest Officer Suresh Varak, Forest Guard Rupnavar (Khed Shivapur), Forest Watcher Gaikwad, Mandal Officer Sachin Chavan, Zoo Director Dr. Rajkumar Jadhav, Corporator Mahesh Kadam, and Honorary Wildlife Warden Aditya Paranjape.
The Forest Department emphasized that proper and legal disposal of wildlife remains is crucial for both environmental and administrative integrity. It stressed the importance of conducting such procedures regularly across all zoos to prevent misuse and ensure respectful handling of wildlife remnants, said Tushar Chavan, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pune.
