Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav recently chaired the 44th Meeting of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) held at the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal.
Key Decisions Taken in Meeting
Second Cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE)
- Target set to complete the second cycle of MEE for large and medium category zoos by May 2026
- MEE is:
- Evidence-based
- Comprehensive and independent
- Designed to maintain high operational and conservation standards
CSR Support for Zoos
- Expanded scope of Committee examining Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions
- Recommendations sought for:
- Identifying prominent personalities to promote zoos
- Strengthening ex-situ conservation
- Enhancing conservation education among youth
- Improving financial self-sustainability of zoos
Collaboration with Scientific Institutions
Exploration of collaboration with:
- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
- Institutions under the NIRANTAR vertical including CZA
Objective: Promote zoos, ex-situ conservation, and conservation education.
Role of Members of Parliament
- Suggestions to be invited from MPs having recognized zoos in their constituencies
- Focus on strengthening zoos in alignment with National Zoo Policy objectives
Engagement with Schools
- Identification of schools organizing zoo visits
- Encourage dedicated classroom sessions to gather student suggestions
- Promote conservation awareness among youth
About Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
It is a statutory autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Genesis: Established in 1992 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Mandate: To oversee and regulate the functioning of zoos in India, to ensure they contribute to the conservation of endangered species and meet international standards for animal welfare.
Governance and Leadership (as of March 2026)
- Composition: The Authority consists of a Chairperson, ten members, and a Member Secretary.
- Chairperson: Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
Core Functions and Responsibilities:
The CZA’s roles are defined under Section 38(C) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:
- Accreditation: Granting or withdrawing recognition to zoos based on their compliance with prescribed norms.
- Standard Setting: Specifying minimum standards for housing, upkeep, and veterinary care of animals in captivity.
- Conservation Breeding: Identifying endangered species for captive breeding and assigning responsibility to specific zoos to maintain healthy ex-situ populations.
- Animal Exchange: Regulating the acquisition, exchange, and loaning of animals (including international transfers under CITES) for breeding purposes.
- Capacity Building: Coordinating training for zoo personnel and promoting research in captive breeding and educational programs.