Ex-Situ updates (March 2012) - Ministry of Environment and Forests

Jayanthi Natarajan
MESSAGE
Minister of State (I/C)
Ministry of Environment and Forests
Government of India
Chairperson
Central Zoo Authority
India is a country with rich biodiversity comprising a large variety of unique flora and fauna. Conservation
of our precious biodiversity is a responsibility we all must share. Zoos are a major component of this
conservation process because of their valuable role as educators and safe havens for endangered
species. The zoo movement in India has come a long way with zoos today becoming centres for the
breeding of many of the endangered species, thus providing a hope for the future. Today, naturalistic
enclosures with proper enrichment, good diet and regular veterinary care for animals have ensured that
the animals are healthy. Guidelines on conservation breeding programme of endangered animals and
maintenance of proper studbooks have ensured a scientific breeding process, which can eventually
allow certain bred animals to be reintroduced into the wild.
A child’s first introduction to wildlife is through the zoo, where he learns about wild animal species and
develops sensitivity to varied elements of environment. Thus zoos play an indispensable role in the
overall development of the new generation which is sensitive and aware of its nation’s natural heritage
including biodiversity.
The Central Zoo Authority being the apex body for all zoos in India plays a commendable role in the field
of conservation and education. The Central Zoo Authority under the guidance of Ministry of Environment
and Forests ensures that all zoos follow the common conservation guidelines thus enriching the quality
of life of the zoo animals and simultaneously contributing to the conservation of wildlife.
ex-situ updates the maiden newsletter of the Central Zoo Authority is intended to play a major role
in creating awareness about the zoo movement in the country by highlighting the interventions in
design, breeding process, nutrition, education and zoo management. The newsletter will be a valuable
document in understanding the development of the zoo movement and in disseminating information to
the wider zoo community on conservation and healthcare of zoo animals.
I am sure the newsletter will be useful to zoo lovers, veterinarians, wildlife conservationists and
above all the young generation of the country. I congratulate Central Zoo Authority for this milestone
initiative of bringing out the first edition of ex-situ updates to disseminate zoo related information to all
stakeholders
.
Jayanthi Natarajan
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