Animal Rights Protest, Chennai on the 79th Indian Independence Day

Animal Liberation Now! held the first Animal Rights Protest on Indian Independence Day outside the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as Vandalur Zoo. The protest highlighted the unfairness of keeping animals in captivity and called for an end to exploitation masked as conservation. 

Nineteen activists from across India gathered to demand freedom for animals held for human profit and entertainment. They fought against speciesism, which views humans as superior and entitled to control other animals. The activists encouraged the public to reject this mindset and end animal slavery. 

Banners displayed messages such as “Are They Not Worthy of Freedom?” and “Slavery by Any Name is Still Slavery. ” Activists engaged visitors with thought-provoking questions like whether independence should only apply to humans. While some children showed curiosity, parents often hurried them away. A few visitors expressed understanding but chose to enter the zoo regardless. Activists argued that leaving would show stronger support for animal rights. 

The protest drew attention from thousands of passersby and was initially interrupted by traffic police, but the activists successfully justified their gathering as a right under the Indian Constitution. The event continued peacefully after dialogue with the authorities.