Master Planning of Zoos - Central Zoo Authority

Bengal Tiger
Proceedings of
Training Programme
Master Planning
of Zoos
§ Conservation breeding of Tiger (Panthera tigris)
was on the agenda of the Central Zoo Authority
since its inception in 1992. The main objective
behind the programme was to have a genetically
viable population of Bengal tigers in our zoos.
§ 29 Tigers of wild origin being exhibited in the zoos were identified as
founder for the breeding programme. Nine Zoos were selected under this
programme.
§ Shri S.K.Patnaik, then Director Nandankanan Zoological Park,
Bhubaneswar was selected as the National Coordinator for the programme.
§ It was observed that many of the zoos were reluctant to part with their
animals due to sentimental feelings attached with the animals.
§ The programme lost steam due to the fact that it could not be monitored at
regular intervals by the National Coordinator due to preoccupation in the
duties assigned to him by the State Govt. of Orissa.
§ Some of the identified tigers also died in the zoos.
§ The programme for breeding of tigers was again discussed in the meeting of
the sub-committee on conservation breeding during May, 2005 and it has
been decided to not to go ahead with the programme for the time being.
Snow Leopard
§ The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling (West Bengal),
India started work of conservation breeding of this rare species in the year
1983. It was selected as an ideal site for this breeding programme. This
was the first instance of an Asian zoo participating in the Snow Leopard
(Panthera uncia) Master Plan which was conceptualized by Ms. Helen
Freman, President of International Snow Leopard Trust and was also
Species Coordinator of “Species Survival Plan for Snow Leopard”.
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