(a) whether the Government are aware that a large number of illegal private Zoos are operating in the country where the wild animals are kept in pathetic condition;
(b) if so, the details of such Zoos detected by the Government during each of the last three years, State-wise;
(c) the number of animals which have been released from these private Zoos during the said period, State-wise; and
(d) the steps the Government propose to take to make the punishment in all these cases stringent?
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a) to (d) According to The Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 no zoo can operate unless it is recognized by the Central Zoo Authority. Since 1995 the Authority has derecognised 180 zoos of which 49 are privately operated. Out of the 49 privately operated zoos 32 have already closed down and their animals rehabilitated. Chief Wildlife Wardens of the States have been requested to close down the rest also and rehabilitate their animals suitably. Since Central Zoo Authority already has power to derecognise the defaulting zoos, there is no proposal under the consideration of the Government to make any further amendment in the existing provisions regarding the punishment.