CZA Charts New Roadmap for Modern, Conservation-Driven Zoos

The deliberations coincided with the 34th Foundation Day of the Central Zoo Authority, celebrated at the National Zoological Park.

The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, on Tuesday chaired the 43rd meeting of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) at the National Zoological Park, New Delhi, with a focus on strengthening ex-situ conservation, improving zoo governance, and enhancing public engagement across India’s zoos.

Sharing details on social media platform X, the Minister said the meeting deliberated extensively on zoo management practices nationwide and issued directions to complete the second round of Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) for zoos across the country.

---

Push for Higher Standards Through MEE

Shri Yadav underlined that the Management Effectiveness Evaluation is an evidence-based, independent and holistic assessment mechanism, designed to encourage zoos to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare, conservation and management.

He stressed that timely completion of the second MEE cycle would strengthen accountability and ensure continuous improvement in zoo operations.

---

CSR Support and More Frequent CZA Meetings

Among the key decisions taken at the meeting was the constitution of a sub-committee to examine the potential of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding to support zoo infrastructure, conservation initiatives and outreach programmes.

The Authority also decided to increase the frequency of CZA meetings, aligning them with the schedule of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife, to ensure better policy coordination and faster decision-making.

---

Zoos as Centres of Conservation Awareness

The meeting reiterated the objectives of the National Policy on Zoos, which envisions zoos as platforms to:

• inspire empathy for wild animals, and

• promote awareness about conservation of natural resources and ecological balance.

To achieve this, zoos were encouraged to strengthen outreach through:

• annual calendars and action plans for observing important environmental and wildlife days, and

• species-wise assignment of outreach roles to zoos.

---

34th Foundation Day of Central Zoo Authority

The deliberations coincided with the 34th Foundation Day of the Central Zoo Authority, celebrated at the National Zoological Park. The occasion was marked alongside the Chief Wildlife Warden and Zoo Directors’ Conference, offering a common platform for dialogue on zoo management and wildlife conservation.

---

Zoos Beyond Display Centres: Kirti Vardhan Singh

Addressing the inaugural session, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, said zoos are not merely animal display centres, but vital spaces for research, learning animal behaviour, improving veterinary care and evolving better management practices.

“We are taking care of poor, defenceless animals here, and we really need to be very sensitive to what all can be done,” he said.

He urged officials to reflect on whether they are adopting global best practices and learning from leading zoos worldwide.

---

Engaging the Younger Generation Through Zoos

Shri Singh highlighted that as younger generations increasingly engage with virtual worlds and digital platforms, zoos play a critical role in reconnecting especially urban youth with nature and wildlife.

He called for discussions on leveraging technology to:

• improve animal care and monitoring,

• strengthen zoo management, and

• enhance the overall visitor experience.

The Minister also stressed deeper collaboration with state governments, research institutions, NGOs and other stakeholders to incorporate diverse perspectives into zoo development.

---

India’s Unique Zoo Management Model

Speaking at the event:

• Director General of Forests and Special Secretary, Shri Sushil Kumar Awasthi, described the Foundation Day as a milestone in India’s journey towards ethical and conservation-oriented zoo management.

• Additional Director General of Forests, Shri Ramesh Kumar Pandey, noted that India holds a unique position globally, with most of its 150+ zoos managed by forest departments.

• Member Secretary, CZA, Shri V. Clement Ben, highlighted CZA’s role in transforming Indian zoos from traditional exhibits into professionally managed conservation institutions.

---

Focus on One Health and Sustainability

The day-long conference featured sessions on:

• modern zoo management,

• conservation breeding,

• veterinary care and animal nutrition,

• sustainability, and

• the One Health approach, emphasising the interconnected well-being of animals, ecosystems and human communities.

The discussions reinforced the need for coordinated, science-based and policy-driven action to strengthen wildlife conservation in India.