Bhupender Yadav discusses matters related to zoo modernisation, funding
New Delhi, July 9
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Thursday discussed matters related to the modernisation of the National Zoological Park, the use of CSR funds, and resource mobilisation for zoos.
Chairing the 46th Meeting of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) in Coimbatore, Yadav also released the CZA's newsletter, highlighting milestones in conservation breeding, wildlife health, scientific management, and capacity building across Indian zoos, said an official statement.
Key achievements and strategic priorities of the CZA during the financial year 2026-27 were presented before the governing body of the Central Zoo Authority, it said.
The meeting reviewed proposals for the modernisation of zoos, the establishment of new zoological facilities, improved visitor education, scientific planning, and infrastructure development to ensure that Indian zoos continue to serve as centres of conservation, education, and research.
The prominent deliberations that took place in the meeting included the second cycle of the Management Effectiveness Evaluation of zoos, conducted by six evaluation teams.
Yadav also discussed the concept note for the proposal from the CCMB-LaCONES to develop a network of animal biobanks with reproductive technologies to serve conservation breeding programmes in Indian zoos.
Apart from issues related to the modernisation of the National Zoological Park, the meeting also discussed Standard Operating Procedures for Zoo Veterinarians and Animal Handlers in Indian zoos.
The National Wildlife Health Policy Concept Paper was proposed to address emerging challenges in wildlife health management.
The report of the Committee on the use of CSR funds and resource mobilisation for zoos was also discussed, said the statement.
Unauthorised possession and display of non-native species of wild animals listed in appendices of CITES - enforcement of legal provisions also came up for discussion.
Earlier this month, Yadav inaugurated a National Workshop on "Tiger Re-introduction: Opportunities & Challenges" in Alwar, Rajasthan.
The Minister said on X, "On a day marking 18 years of tiger reintroduction in Sariska, I inaugurated the workshop on 'Tiger Re-introduction: Opportunities and Challenges', along with Rajasthan Minister @Sanjay4India1ji."
"The workshop will bring together field directors, wildlife experts and chief wildlife wardens from the different tiger landscapes of India and their respective states, to discuss the key management aspects of tiger reintroduction and augmentation programmes," he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The idea of animal biobanks and reproductive technologies is fantastic! We need to preserve our native species, especially those on the brink. Also, glad they're discussing wildlife health policy - too many zoos lack proper veterinary care. 👩⚕️🐾
Honestly, I'm skeptical. We hear about these meetings every year, but ground reality doesn't change much. The National Zoological Park in Delhi is still overcrowded and animals look stressed. Focus on creating better enclosures and enrichment programs rather than just holding meetings. 😒
Finally some action on unauthorized possession of exotic animals! There are so many cases of people keeping tigers, leopards, and CITES-listed species as pets or in private collections. Strict enforcement is needed - no more celebrity exemptions! 🐅👮
The tiger reintroduction workshop in Sariska is timely! After 18 years, we need to assess what worked and what didn't. But why not involve local communities more? They're the ones living alongside these animals. A holistic approach is the need of the hour. 🌿🐯
SOPs for zoo veterinarians and animal handlers is long overdue. So many zoos have untrained staff handling dangerous animals. Also, the management effectiveness evaluation should be made public so we can see which zoos are performing well. Transparency is key! 📊✅
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.