GUWAHATI, Nov 16 � Eight Tokay geckos were found missing from their enclosure at the Assam State Zoo under mysterious circumstances this morning. Two of the lizards, however, were recovered following a search.
Tokay gecko lizards are highly prized in the international illegal trade of wildlife and wildlife body parts. This has raised suspicions of involvement of such a racket in the disappearance of the lizards.
A case has also been registered with Geetanagar police station in this connection. A zoo official said that the disappearance of the geckos was noticed in the morning following which a search was launched and some zoo staff, including the animal keepers, were questioned. A net of the enclosure was also found open.
�It is difficult to say whether it was a case of theft even though that is a possibility. We are investigating the matters and have also filed an FIR with the police stating it to be a case of mysterious disappearance,� he said.
