The Central Zoo Authority (CZE) has directed the Gujarat government to investigate allegations of violation of wildlife norms and reported deaths of animals meant for a jungle safari near the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, according to official documents.

The move comes following a complaint by wildlife activist Ajay Dubey, who had said many wild animals, claimed to have been brought illegally from abroad, had allegedly died.

Citing Dubey’s complaint, the CZA recently directed the chief wildlife warden of Gujarat to get the matter investigated and submit a report for necessary action.

A copy of the CZA letter seeking the probe and report has been shared with Dubey.

The CZA is a statutory body under the Union ministry of environment, forests and climate change. Its main objective is to complement and strengthen the national effort to conserve the country’s rich biodiversity, among others.

Every zoological park in India is required to obtain recognition from the CZA.

Animals and birds have been brought to Gujarat from 17 countries for the jungle safari inside the yet-to-be inaugurated Sardar Patel Zoological Park being developed near the Statue of Unity at Kevadia in Narmada district.

“The world-class zoo, which is being developed, is part of a plan to make the region near the Statue of Unity a major tourist attraction. Lions, tigers, leopards, 12 types of

deer and antelopes, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, bisons and other exotic animals have arrived at the safari park from 17 countries,” Rajiv Gupta, managing director of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd, said recently.

However, there have been reports of deaths of some of these animals. At least two impalas and a giraffe have died within a month, activist Dubey said, citing media reports.