ANNEXURE I : UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANCE OF ZOO

Central Zoo Authority (CZA) was established as a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment and Forests by the Government of India in the year 1992. The main objective of this authority is to complement and strengthen the national effort in conservation of the rich biodiversity of the country, particularly the fauna as per the National Zoo policy, 1988. Other objectives of this Authority include: enforcing minimum standards and norms for upkeep and healthcare of animals in Indian Zoos and to control mushrooming of unplanned and ill conceived zoos.

There is little awareness among the general public about the role of Zoos at centres for conservation of wildlife. it is important for all of us to understand that zoo is a place for endangered species in wild, for use as gene pool, to be used for long-term conservation of the species.

Each species on the planet is important for the continuance of the food chain. Wildlife and their habitat have numerous benefits for the existence of humans as well as the flora and fauna. In India, for instance, forests that house animals like tigers, elephants, hornbills and cobras are also watersheds of some primary rivers of India. Survival of wildlife is therefore dependent on the survival of forests. Forests are also home to millions of species of plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

They are therefore a treasure house of nature. If there is a lack of trees and grasslands, it will lead to lack of food for herbivores. If the herbivores are unable to survive, it will result in shortage of food for the carnivores. Thus in case of destruction of forests, the food web will also be simplified or destroyed.

Not only are animals important for the survival of the food chain, they are important also because they provide for economic activities like tourism. They add to the biological diversity of the region and maintain ecological balance. Here, In situ and Ex situ conservation plays a major role.

The growing awareness for nature & wildlife conservation has made zoos a popular institution. Estimates indicate that 10% of the world’s population visit zoos every year. There are about 350 animal collections in India, which are visited by more than 50 million people annually.