Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 3: The Karnataka high court (HC) has expressed strong displeasure over the prevailing mismanagement at the Pilikula Biological Park in Mangaluru and issued a stern warning to the state government, stating that the biological park should be shut down immediately if authorities are unable to properly care for the animals.
The observation was made during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by wildlife conservationist Bhuvan. Taking serious note of the condition of the animals, the court stated that if protection and proper care cannot be ensured, the biological park must be closed without delay. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on February 5.
Pilikula Biological Park, a popular destination among coastal residents, students and tourists, has allegedly turned into a hub of mismanagement over the past few years. The situation has reportedly reached such alarming levels that even the high court judges were shocked after viewing photographs of suffering animals submitted during the hearing. The bench came down heavily on the authorities and issued a clear warning to the government.
Located on the outskirts of Mangaluru, Pilikula Biological Park is spread across nearly 370 acres and is part of a vast nature park. It serves as a shelter for endangered wildlife from the Western Ghats and has long been regarded as an important conservation and educational centre. However, this once-admired destination has now deteriorated into a state of neglect.
Rusting cages, contaminated drinking water, repeated animal deaths and unhygienic surroundings reflect the current condition of the biological park. Adding to the seriousness of the issue, the biological park’s licence expired on December 1, 2025. Despite this, the biological park continues to operate without valid permission. Although the Central Zoo Authority issued show-cause notices in 2023 and again in 2025 regarding the mismanagement, officials allegedly failed to take corrective action.
The petitioner has made grave allegations that animals are forced to drink polluted water and are dying due to lack of timely and proper medical treatment, leaving them struggling between life and death.
During the hearing, the government’s counsel informed the court that an application for licence renewal has been submitted and is currently under consideration. The counsel also sought time to respond to the allegations. However, the court reiterated its firm stance, warning the government that if it is incapable of safeguarding the animals, the biological park should be shut down, and adjourned the case to February 5.