Central Zoo Authority is an autonomous statutory body
It regulates the functioning of zoos
It has been constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act
Organisation: The Authority consists of a Chairman, ten members and a Member Secretary
Main objective: To complement the national effort in conservation of wild life

Standards and norms for housing, upkeep, health care and overall management of animals in zoos
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
Zoos which have no potential to come up to the prescribed standards and norms may be refused recognition and asked to close down

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
Primary function– grant of recognition and release of financial assistance
It also regulates the exchange of animals of endangered category Listed under Schedule-I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 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 breeding programmes and ex-situ research including biotechnological intervention for conservation of species for complementing in-situ conservation efforts in the country

Establishment of Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered Species at Hyderabad for carrying out research in biotechnology, planned breeding of Red Panda and its restocking into the wild
Upgradation of diagnostic facilities for disease diagnosis at selected veterinary institutions and their networking with zoos on regional basis for better health care of animals

Published with inputs from Swapnil

[E&B Bodies #3] Central Zoo Authority

By Explains