Central Zoo Authority

• The Central Zoo Authority is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change constituted in 1992 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• The amendment made to the Wild Life (Protection) Act in 1991 added a new chapter (Chapter IV A ) dealing with zoos to the Act.
• Accordingly Central Zoo Authority was established in 1992.

Objectives Central Zoo Authority: 

• To complement and strengthen the national effort in conservation of rich biodiversity.
• To oversee the functioning and development of zoos in the country.
• According to the provisions of WLPA-1991 act, only such zoos which were operated in accordance with the norms and standards prescribed by the Central Zoo Authority would be granted ‘recognition’ to operate by the Authority.

Functions Central Zoo Authority:

The authority provides recognition to zoos and is also tasked with regulating the zoos across the country. It lays down guidelines and prescribes rules under which animals may be transferred among zoos nationally and internationally. It coordinates and implements programs on capacity building of zoo personnel, planned breeding programs and ex-situ research.

1. To specify the minimum standards for housing, upkeep and veterinary care of animals kept in a zoo

2. To evaluate and assess the functioning of zoos with respect to the standards or the norms as are prescribed

3. To recognize and derecognize zoos

4. To identify endangered species of wild animals for purposes of captive breeding and assigning responsibility in this regard to a zoo

5. To co-ordinate the acquisition, exchange and loaning of animals for breeding purposes

6. To ensure maintenance of stud-books of endangered species of wild animals bred in captivity

7. To identify priorities and themes with regard to display of captive animals in a zoo.

8. To co-ordinate training of zoo personnel in India and abroad

9. To co-ordinate research in captive breeding and educational programs for the purposes of zoos

10. To provide technical and other assistance to zoos for their proper management and development on scientific lines

11. To perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act with regard to zoos

Summary:

• Statutory body under Min of EFCC
• Established in 1992 under chapter IV-A of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
• Recognition of zoos
• Permission for acquisition of wild / captive animals
• Cognizance of offences
• Grant of licenses, certificate of ownership, recognition, etc

Source: CZA

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