Regulation of Zoos and Captive Wildlife in India
India regulates zoos and captive wildlife through a legal and institutional framework aimed at animal welfare, conservation breeding, and prevention of illegal trade. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) are central to this system.
Statutory Framework: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WPA) is the principal law governing wild animals in both natural habitats and captivity.
- Chapter IVA: Sections 38A to 38J provide for the constitution of the Central Zoo Authority and recognition of zoos.
- Captive animal: Section 2(5) defines a captive animal as any animal, other than a wild animal, specified in Schedule I or Schedule II and kept or bred in captivity.
- Zoo: Section 2(39) defines a zoo as an establishment, stationary or mobile, where captive animals are kept for public exhibition or ex-situ conservation. This includes circuses, rescue centres, and conservation breeding centres.
- Prohibition of teasing: Section 38J prohibits teasing, molesting, injuring, or feeding any animal in a zoo.
Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
The Central Zoo Authority is a statutory autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Structure and Constitution
- Establishment: The CZA was established in 1992 under Section 38A of the WPA.
- Composition: It consists of a Chairperson, ten members, and a Member Secretary.
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
Primary Functions of the CZA
- Laying down standards: Prescribes minimum standards for housing, veterinary care, hygiene, feeding, and upkeep of zoo animals.
- Granting recognition: No zoo can operate in India without recognition from the CZA.
- Coordinating captive breeding: Identifies endangered species for planned breeding programmes and assigns them to suitable zoos.
- Regulating animal exchange: Regulates acquisition, transfer, and exchange of Schedule I and Schedule II animals among Indian and foreign zoos.
- Capacity building: Organises training for zoo personnel and supports research in captive breeding and healthcare.
Classification of Zoos in India
The Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009 classifies zoos into four categories based on area, number of species, endangered species, and annual visitor footfall.
| Zoo Category | Minimum Area (Hectares) | Number of Animals Exhibited | Number of Species Exhibited | Number of Endangered Species | Annual Visitor Attendance |
| Large | More than 75 | More than 750 | More than 75 | More than 15 | More than 7.5 lakhs |
| Medium | 50 to 75 | 500 to 750 | 50 to 75 | 10 to 15 | 5 to 7.5 lakhs |
| Small | 20 to 50 | 200 to 499 | 20 to 49 | 5 to 9 | 2 to 5 lakhs |
| Mini | Less than 20 | Less than 200 | Less than 20 | Less than 5 | Less than 2 lakhs |
National Zoo Policy, 1998
The National Zoo Policy, 1998 provides strategic direction for zoo management in India.
- Primary objective: Conservation of wild fauna is the main purpose of zoos; recreation is secondary.
- Ex-situ conservation: Emphasises captive breeding of critically endangered species for possible reintroduction.
- No unplanned breeding: Discourages breeding of common, non-threatened species beyond zoo capacity.
- Exotic species: Acquisition is restricted unless linked to scientific research or education.
Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022: Key Changes
The 2022 amendment introduced important changes in captive wildlife regulation and international trade control.
Inclusion of CITES Provisions
The amendment aligns Indian law with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It provides for a Management Authority to issue permits and a Scientific Authority to assess biological impact.
Strict Regulations on Captive Elephants
- Schedule I protection: Elephants enjoy the highest legal protection under the WPA.
- Proviso to Section 43(2): Allows transfer or transport of a captive elephant for a religious or other purpose by an owner holding a valid ownership certificate.
- Government conditions: Such transfers remain subject to terms and conditions prescribed by the Central Government.
Voluntary Surrender of Captive Wildlife
The amendment allows a person to voluntarily surrender captive wild animals or animal articles to the Chief Wildlife Warden. Ownership then transfers to the State Government, and no compensation is payable.
Recent Context
In a recent translocation exercise, blackbucks were released into the Banni Grasslands in Kutch, Gujarat, after approvals from the CZA and the Chief Wildlife Warden. The move was part of a native herbivore rewilding programme to strengthen grassland ecosystems.
Crucial Initiatives and Trivia
- LaCONES: The Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered Species in Hyderabad works with the CZA on genetic monitoring and assisted reproduction.
- First zoo in India: The first public zoo was established in 1800 at Barrackpore near Kolkata by Governor-General Lord Wellesley.
- Red panda breeding: The CZA has supported breeding programmes for the red panda at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling.
- Pygmy hog conservation: Successful breeding efforts have also been coordinated for the pygmy hog in Assam.
- Economic valuation: A CZA-TERI study assessed the ecosystem service value of the National Zoological Park, Delhi.
Rare Facts for Prelims
- Zoo recognition is mandatory: A zoo in India cannot function legally without CZA recognition.
- Mobile zoos are covered: The WPA definition of zoo includes both stationary and mobile establishments.
- Feeding animals in zoos is punishable: Even feeding a zoo animal without permission can attract legal action under Section 38J.
- CITES has two authorities in India: The amendment creates both a Management Authority and a Scientific Authority for trade-related oversight.
- Ownership transfer on surrender: When captive wildlife is voluntarily surrendered, ownership shifts to the State Government automatically.
- Zoos are conservation institutions: Under Indian policy, conservation is the core function of zoos, not entertainment.
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