Guwahati: Damaged zoo wall raises wildlife safety concerns
Residents allege that gaps in the Assam State Zoo boundary wall allow animals to stray into neighbourhoods and permit unauthorised access.
A deteriorating boundary wall at the Assam State Zoo has caused safety concerns for animals and nearby residents, according to The Assam Tribune.
Local residents claim that damaged sections of the ageing wall have allowed deer and other animals to wander into adjacent areas, particularly near Baikuntha Nagar. They also alleged that the gaps provide unauthorised access to the premises.
There have been claims that people enter the zoo after dark to kill animals, though these allegations could not be independently verified. On November 29, 2025, a large deer was seen on a road near Zoo Tiniali at approximately 1 am, which eyewitnesses suspected had come from the hill adjoining the zoo.
Locals have reportedly submitted oral and written complaints to the Forest Department and zoo authorities. They are calling for immediate repairs and increased surveillance to prevent animals from straying and to stop unauthorised entry.
Zoo authorities told The Assam Tribune on October 28 that repair and renovation work is currently in progress. They acknowledged that several sections of the wall have deteriorated due to age but stated that no animals have escaped and that staff monitor the animals regularly.
As of November 2, zoo authorities maintained that repair work was underway, though the damaged wall remained unrepaired.