(a) the criteria regarding food and healthcare for animals in major zoos;
(b) whether the Government proposes to conduct any specific study regarding food and healthcare of animals;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the measures taken by the Government to improve/review the said criteria in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)
(a) The Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009, outlines under para 5 of Schedule under Rule 10, the measures to be taken by the zoos regarding upkeep and healthcare of animals. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA), in association with the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar has developed manual on ‘Standardization of Animal Diets In Indian Zoos’ and a manual on ‘Standards, Guidelines and Protocol on Disease Diagnosis and Cure of Wild Animals in Indian Zoos’, which prescribes protocol/criteria to be followed by zoos regarding food and healthcare of animals.
(b) and (c) The Central Zoo Authority has launched three studies regarding food and healthcare of animals. The details are annexed at Annexure.
(d) The Central Zoo Authority has signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, a National Referral Centre for Indian zoos and Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington D.C., USA to provide technical advice on Wildlife veterinary medicine on animal healthcare, disease management and animal housing for Indian zoos.
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