Master Planning of Zoos - Central Zoo Authority

Proceedings of
Training Programme
Master Planning
of Zoos
Healthcare and Management Inputs in Planning A Zoo
l Preparation of a comprehensive plan and design of a zoo can be better achieved
through inter-disciplinary approach.
l Main thrust of any planning of a zoo is its inhabitants i.e. zoo animals
l Therefore, the entire planning process for a zoo should be conducive to ensure
quality of life, maximum longevity, procreation and welfare of zoo animals.
l Healthcare and management of zoo animals are interlinked and form an
important part of any master plan/plan of zoo.
l Healthcare and management inputs will mainly depend upon the number
and type of species and number of individuals of a species proposed to be
displayed in the zoo (Animal collection plan of the proposed zoo)
l For providing inputs on these aspects, one must have clear understanding of
basic concepts on healthcare and management of wild animals in captivity.
l By “Health” it means the State of Complete Physical, Mental and Social
well-being of an individual and not merely the absence of disease.
l Amendment of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in 1991 and framing of
“Recognition of zoo rules 1992” with up to date amendments made mandatory
provisions of minimum standards for
l Proper housing
l Proper Feeding & upkeep
l Veterinary /health care for zoo animals
National Zoo Policy, 1998 on Health Care Of Zoo Animals states –
“Zoos shall ensure availability of the highest standards of veterinary care to all
the animals in their collection”.
STRATEGIC VISION – 2010" – Evolved at Strategic “Future Search Workshop”
organized by Central Zoo Authority held at Hyderabad during December 3-5,
1999 was as follows –
“Our zoo will have healthy animals in ecosystem based naturalistic enclosures,
supportive to in-situ conservation with competent and contended staff, good
educational and interpretative facilities, the support of people and be self
sufficient”.
Indian zoos maintain numerous species of wildlife (both indigenous and exotic)
from the smallest birds like Munia to largest land mammal – the Elephant and at
times even Fishes.
Maintenance of optimum health of animals is a must to achieve the objectives
of modern zoological parks
Every zoo has the onerous responsibility of maintaining all the zoo inmates in
optimum health free from diseases so that the objectives of the zoos can be
achieved.
157