Master Planning of Zoos - Central Zoo Authority

Technical Session I
Policies and Guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority and
the need for the development of Master Plan
The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
• The Act with its amendments provides clear-cut basis for legal protection of India’s
wildlife.
• Despite its flaws, it is still undoubtedly one of the strongest legislation on wildlife
protection in the world.
Zoos in India
• Keeping animals for warfare, parades and sports is ancient to India.
• The history of public zoos is, however, 200 years old, starting from Barrackpore near
Kolkata in 1800.
• Apex Court of this nation has put a ban (November, 2000) on further establishment
of zoos in the country.
Central Zoo Authority
• Central Zoo Authority was created by Government of India through an amendment
of the Wild Life (Protection) Act in 1992.
• The objective was to enforce minimum standards and norms for upkeep and health
care of animals in Indian zoos
• To restrain mushrooming of unplanned and ill-conceived zoos in the country.
Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992
• In order to evaluate and provide accreditation to the zoos in the country, the Recognition
of Zoo Rules, 1992 were framed under the Act.
• There are 51 standards and norms which have been prescribed for compliance by the
zoos.
‘Rule 51’ of the Recognition of Zoo Rules
• (51) Each zoo shall prepare a long-term Master Plan for its development. The zoo
shall also prepare a Management Plan, giving details of the proposals and activities
of development for next six years. The copies of the said plans shall be sent to the
Central Zoo Authority.
National Zoo Policy, 1998
• To give proper direction and thrust to the management of zoos in the country, the National
Zoo Policy was framed and adopted by Government of India in the year 1998.
• The main objective of the zoos under National Zoo Policy is to complement and
strengthen the national efforts in conservation of rich biodiversity of the country,
particularly the wild fauna.
• This objective can be achieved through the following protocol:
• Coordinated conservation breeding of critically endangered species in ex-situ
conditions.
• Conservation education.
• Research for conservation and if resources permit to act as Rescue Centres.
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