Meghalaya: Proposed relocation of Hoolock Gibbons to different zoos irks organisations in Garo Hills

The "Huro," as the Garos call it, has been conserved for generations as it is a sacred animal.

Pic used for representative purpose

Several groups and organisations in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills are stiffly opposing the proposed relocation of Hoolock Gibbons from the Sonja Wildlife Resuce Centre to the State Zoos in Guwahati and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.

The Achik Holistic Awakening Movement has already written a letter to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma apprising him about their opposition to the proposed relocation of the hoolock gibbons.

The AHAM in the letter pointing out the implications if there is any relocation said, “The Western Hoolock gibbons, found exclusively in the western part of Meghalaya, are an integral part of the Garo Hills’ ecosystem. Their presence helps maintain the ecological balance by aiding in seed dispersal and maintaining forest dynamics.

Relocating them to a different environment, such as Umtrew, could disrupt their natural behavior and negatively impact the local biodiversity of Garo Hills.”

Terming the relocation as a blatant violation of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines and Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the AHAM in it’s letter to the CM said, “The proposed exchange of Western Hoolock gibbons to the Guwahati Zoo and Lucknow Zoo contradicts the the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines, which emphasize that endangered species should be kept in their natural habitat whenever possible. Furthermore, the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 mandates the protection of wildlife and their habitats. Transferring the gibbons violates these principles and legal protections designed to ensure their survival.”

Besides, the AHAM has also highlighted as to how the Hoolock Gibbons have a cultural significance for the Garos.

President AHAM Georgeprince Ch.Momin in the letter mentioned,”Relocating them would not only be a biological loss but also a cultural one, affecting the identity and heritage of the local communities. The Garo hold a deep and profound relationship with gibbons.

The “Huro,” as they call it, has been conserved for generations as it is a sacred animal. It is a cultural icon for the Garo, and the ancestors regarded the Huro as ‘A’song Nokgipa, Burung Nokgipa, and Chiga Nokgipa’—meaning they are believed to be the custodians of the land, forest, and river. Thus, the Garo people have always understood the ecological importance of gibbons.”

Seeking immediate intervention of the Meghalaya CM into the matter, the AHAM president in the letter stated, “we strongly urge you to reconsider the decision to shift the Western Hoolock gibbons from the Sonja Wildlife Rescue Centre to the upcoming state zoo at Umtrew. Instead, we recommend bolstering the existing facilities at the Sonja Wildlife Rescue Centre to ensure the continued protection and conservation of these magnificent primates within their natural habitat.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and are hopeful that you will take the necessary steps to ensure the well-being of the Western Hoolock gibbons and the preservation of Garo Hills’ unique biodiversity.”

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