News: Recently, Central Zoo Authority celebrated its 34th Foundation Day at the National Zoological Park, New Delhi.
About Central Zoo Authority
- Nodal Ministry: It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Established in: It was established in 1992 under the Wildlife Protection Act,1972.
- Objective: To complement and strengthen the national effort in conservation of rich biodiversity of the country, particularly the fauna.
- Other objectives: Enforcing minimum standards and norms for upkeep and healthcare of animals in Indian zoos and to control mushrooming of unplanned and ill-conceived.
- Composition: It is chaired by the Union Environment Minister with 10 members and member secretary.
- Functions:
- Establishing minimum standards for animal housing, maintenance, and veterinary care in zoos.
- Inspecting and monitoring zoos to ensure adherence to prescribed rules and guidelines.
- Approving or cancelling zoo recognition based on their performance and compliance.
- Selecting endangered species for captive breeding and allocating this responsibility to designated zoos.
- Organizing and conducting training programmes for zoo staff within India and internationally.
- Supporting research in captive breeding and developing educational programmes for zoos.
- Providing technical, scientific, and financial assistance to improve zoo administration and development.
- Carrying out ex-situ research, including biotechnology-based techniques, to support in-situ conservation efforts.
