Odisha Forest Official Warns Against Viral Wild Animal Videos on Social Media

Odisha Forest Official Warns Against Viral Wild Animal Videos on Social Media

Odisha’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Prem Kumar Jha, has strongly cautioned against the rising trend of posting wild animal videos on social media for views, calling it both unethical and illegal.

Jha highlighted that animals like turtles, snakes, and wild boars fall under Schedule I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Any disturbance or harassment caused to these creatures—even during filming—is a punishable offence under Indian law.

“Creating or uploading such content for popularity is a clear violation of wildlife protection laws,” said Jha. “Strict action is being taken against offenders.”

The warning follows a recent controversy involving a YouTuber from Odisha’s Bargarh district who allegedly painted an image of Lord Jagannath on the shell of an Indian Flapshell Turtle—a protected species—and uploaded the video to social media. The act has triggered outrage among wildlife activists and conservationists.

Snake Helpline General Secretary Subhendu Mallik filed a formal complaint, noting that the video showed the painted turtle being released into water. The clip went viral, drawing widespread backlash.

Mallik urged the Chief Wildlife Warden of Odisha to take immediate action, demanding the video be taken down and the individual held accountable under the Wildlife Protection Act. The law prescribes imprisonment of up to seven years, a ₹1 lakh fine, or both for violations involving Schedule I species.

Officials are now investigating the matter and have reiterated that misuse of protected animals, even in digital content, will invite serious legal consequences.