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Central Zoo Authority – Role, Functions and Structure

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Central Zoo Authority

  • The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, established in 1992.
  • It has been constituted under the section 38A of Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972.
  • Every zoo in the country is required to obtain recognition from the Authority for its operation. The Authority evaluates the zoos with reference to the parameters prescribed under the Rules and grants recognition, accordingly.
  • The Authority’s role is more of a facilitator than a regulator. It therefore, provides technical and financial assistance to such zoos which have the potential to attain the desired standard in animal management.
  • The Central Zoo Authority also regulates the exchange of animals of endangered category listed under Schedule- I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 among zoos.
  • Exchange of animals between Indian and foreign zoos is also approved by the Authority before the requisite clearances under EXIM Policy and the CITES permits are issued by the competent authority.
  • The Authority also coordinates and implements programmes on capacity building of zoo personnel, planned conservation breeding programmes and ex-situ research including biotechnological intervention for conservation of species for complementing in-situ conservation efforts in the country.

Background

  • The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, established in 1992. Its formation followed recommendations by the Expert Group on Zoos, which was reconstituted by the Indian Board for Wildlife during its 9th session held on 18th November 1972. 
  • This group submitted its report in 1973, advocating for a central agency (referred to as the Zoo Grants Commission) to oversee zoo management in the country.
  • To implement these recommendations, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended in 1991, adding Chapter IVA (Sections 38A to 38J) to the Act, thereby legally instituting the Central Zoo Authority.

Composition

  • The Central Zoo Authority comprises:
    • A Chairperson
    • Ten Members
    • A Member Secretary
  • It is chaired by the Environment Minister.

Functions

  • The Authority has been assigned following functions under Section 38 (C) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:
    • specify the minimum standards for housing, upkeep and veterinary care of the animals kept in zoos;
    •  evaluate and assess the functioning of the zoos with respect to the prescribed standards or norms;
    • To recognize or derecognize zoos;
    • To identify endangered species of wild animals for purposes of captive breeding and assigning responsibility in this regard to a zoo;
    • To coordinate the acquisition, exchange and loaning of animals for breeding purpose;
    •  To ensure maintenance of studbooks of endangered species of wild animals bred in captivity;
    • To identify priorities and themes with regard to display of captive animals in zoos;
    • To coordinate training of zoo personnel in India and outside India;
    •  To coordinate research in captive breeding and educational programmes for the purposes of zoos;
    • To provide technical and other assistance to zoos for their proper management and development on scientific lines;
    • To perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act with regard to zoos.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Central Zoo Authority of India?

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, established in 1992 to oversee the functioning of zoos in India and ensure animal welfare standards.

Q2. Under which law was the Central Zoo Authority established?

The CZA was created under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. A separate Chapter IVA (Sections 38A to 38J) was added through the 1991 amendment.

Q3. What are the main objectives of the Central Zoo Authority?

Its objectives include enforcing zoo standards, regulating zoo recognition, facilitating animal exchanges, supporting conservation breeding, and providing technical and financial assistance to zoos.

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