The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Katraj, under the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), conducted the lawful disposal of naturally shed deer antlers. This action was carried out under the Wildlife Disposal of Wild Animal Article Rules, 2023, based on a request from the PMC and under the guidance of the Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial), Pune.
The procedure took place on Tuesday at 11am within the zoo premises. The disposal event was attended by 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, Circle Officer Sachin Chavan, Zoo Director Rajkumar Jadhav, Corporator Mahesh Kadam, and Honorary Wildlife Warden Aditya Paranjpe.
A total of 176 naturally shed antlers from deer species, including sambar, chital, and barking deer, were collected. These antlers were safely and systematically destroyed using the zoo’s eco-friendly gas-based incinerator. The entire procedure was executed transparently, documented via an official panchnama (site record) and video recording, with all necessary paperwork completed as per legal requirements.
Following directives from the Forest Department, a committee was constituted under the chairmanship of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pune, to oversee the process. Proper and legal disposal of wildlife remains is vital from both ecological and administrative standpoints. The Forest Department emphasised that such lawful and transparent practices should be regularly carried out at all zoological parks.
"This initiative marks a significant step in the respectful handling of wildlife remains, upholding the law and preventing potential misuse," said Tushar Chavan, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pune.
