Master Planning of Zoos - Central Zoo Authority

Training on
Master Planning of Zoos:
An overview
Dr. Brij Raj Sharma *
Shrawan Kumar Sinha **
Brij Kishor Gupta ***
Zoos are conservation organizations which are
uniquely placed to serve the need of conservation
of species of wildlife, especially in a situation
when wildlife and wilderness are under severe
pressure and struggling for their survival in the
natural habitats. No doubt, there lies enormous
responsibilities on zoos for ensuring survival of
species. Improvements in working situation of
zoos for achieving conservation goals are
important task ahead. In view of great significance
attached to the good management of zoos for
achieving conservation goals, preparation of long
term Master Plan for the development of zoo along
with management plan for its implementation has
been made mandatory for every zoo in India under
Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992, [Rule 10(51)].
However, most of the zoos in the Country are still
working/developing without the required
documents meant for the purpose and
consequently, we lose sight of strategic vision and
conservation mission.
It is a well acknowledged fact that zoos are usually
governed by their own priorities due to limitation
of resources (i.e. space, finance, professionals
etc.). But, managing their resources in best
possible way for optimal and purposeful utilization
based on scientific information/considerations,
aesthetically designed concept, environmentally
* Member Secretary, Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi
** Director, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar
*** Scientist, Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi
compatible values and professionally sound
management for ensuring good upkeep and welfare
of wild animals in the zoos leading to long term
survival of species in natural ecosystems / habitats,
will certainly improve the worsening situation.
This means zoos must ensure holistic and
integrated development by implementing master
plan and management plan in right perspective.
The objective of this training was to provide the
required orientation to all the participants so that
Indian zoos will be able to promote effective
stewardship of the natural world by bringing
people close to living animals, applying and
advancing conservation, science and education and
setting standards and excellence in animal welfare
and environmental responsibility. It was with this
background and the fact that Indian zoos should
come up to the expectations of the society, the need
for having a special training programme on master
planning for the in-charge of the zoos was planned,
the need for having a master plan in place, as a
beacon for the future development of the zoos.
Keeping in view the challenges being faced by
Indian zoos in developing suitable Master Plan
along with Management Plan, the Central Zoo
Authority in collaboration with Wildlife Institute
of India and Nandankanan Zoological Park,
Bhubaneswar organized a training programme on
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