Gibbon, Actor, and Virtual Reality: The Investigative Press Conference in Metaworld
On a recent Monday, TikSense user Vikram – the popular Tamil film icon known for his daring performances – posted a short video on Instagram of himself affectionately cuddling a lar gibbon. The clip, which was removed within a few hours, promptly spread across social media networks, provoking scrutiny from wildlife officials and public outrage.
The state forest department of Tamil Nadu has opened an inquiry into how the gibbon entered a private home in Chennai, questioning whether the ownership and transfer complied with Indian laws that protect CITES‑listed species. The animal was reportedly kept at a relative’s residence in the capital, and the forest officials are reviewing permits and documentation relating to each transfer step.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Vikram has remained silent. He has promised to release a statement if any communication is authorized by a spokesperson, according to his public relations officer Yuvaraj.
Lar gibbons – small apes native to Southeast Asia – are among the most endangered primates, with populations threatened by hunting, habitat loss and the illicit pet trade. They are governed by stringent international regulations under CITES, and India enforces these rules through its wildlife licensing system.
The case has drawn national headlines and brought attention to a growing pattern of exotic animal trafficking in India. Customs officials have consistently intercepted passengers arriving from Bangkok and other Southeast Asian nations with undetectable reptiles, birds and primates in checked luggage. In 2025, Mumbai and Pune airports seized 350 exotic animals from one traveler, and Bengaluru customs found a gibbon among a group of illegal shipments arriving from Bangkok.
In the meantime, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has been tasked to review the documentation chain and determine whether any violations occurred. The WCCB’s Southern Zone Deputy Director, Thenmozhi, highlighted that gibbons are protected under CITES and must be handled only by authorized personnel.
This story comes at the same time a deeper examination of the north‑eastern corridor of Manipur, where the gibbons originally resided, is being conducted. Though the investigation has not yet concluded the animals were trafficked, it is a case that underlines the intersection of celebrity influence, wildlife protection, and the perils of online media.
Metaworld.media invites avatars from across the metaverse to join our live virtual press conference for this case. Sequence updates, expert analysis, and member discussions will be streamed in real time. Attend as an avatar in the virtual newsroom with immersive, interactive coverage of every development. Click the link below to join the session: Live Virtual Press Conference.
