The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has put all zoos across the country on highest alert and asked them to collect samples fortnightly in suspected cases after a tiger at a US zoo tested positive for coronavirus. 

In a letter to all states and Union territories, CZA member secretary S.P. Yadav said the US Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed COVID-19 in a tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York. 

“Zoos in the country are, therefore, advised to remain on highest alertness, and monitor animals 24x7 using CCTVs for any abnormal behaviour or symptoms,” it said. 

The authority said carnivores, especially cats, ferrets and primates, need to be carefully monitored and fortnightly samples of suspected cases be sent to designated animal health institutes for COVID-19 testing. 

Zoos have been asked to follow all bio-containment and safety measures required to handle the high-risk pathogen as per the national/ICMR guidelines, the letter said. 

Zoos across the country have been shut following a CZA directive on March 13, with their administration taking precautionary measures while taking care of animals. 

Central Zoo Authority

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is a statutory body created under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 

It came into existence in 1992 to oversee the functioning of zoos and provide them technical and other assistance. 

Zoos in India are regulated under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and are guided by the National Zoo Policy, 1998. The government of India has formulated Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009 to lay down standards and norms for management of zoos in the country. 

Currently, there are 145 recognised zoos in India with over 56,000 animals in them, according to the CZA. 

The CZA’s mission is to provide better upkeep and veterinary care to the wild animals housed in zoos in India to ensure their conservation through best practices of management and bringing education & awareness among the people. 

What is the role of CZA?

The prime objective of the CZA is to raise the existing standards of animal housing, upkeep and health care in the zoos of the country. 

Every zoo in the country is required to obtain recognition from the CZA  under Section 38H of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for its operation. The CZA periodically evaluates zoos with reference to the parameters prescribed under the rules and grants recognition accordingly. 

The CZA consists of a chairperson, ten members and a member secretary. The Union minister for environment, forest and climate change is its ex-officio chairperson.

The CZA has constituted different committees for its assistance in the performance of functions assigned to it. They are: administrative committee, technical committee and the expert group on zoo designing. 

The CZA’s role is more of a facilitator than a regulator. It therefore, provides technical and financial assistance to such zoos which have the potential to attain the desired standard in animal management. 

Functions of CZA

The Authority has been assigned following functions under Section 38(C) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:

* Specify the minimum standards for housing, upkeep and veterinary care of the animals kept in zoos.

* Evaluate and assess the functioning of the zoos with respect to the prescribed standards or norms.

* To recognise or derecognise zoos.

* To identify endangered species of wild animals for purposes of captive breeding and assigning responsibility in this regard to a zoo.

* To coordinate the acquisition, exchange and loaning of animals for breeding purposes.

* To ensure maintenance of studbooks of endangered species of wild animals bred in captivity. 

* To identify priorities and themes with regard to display of captive animals in zoos.

* To coordinate training of zoo personnel in India and outside India.

* To coordinate research in captive breeding and educational programmes for the purposes of zoos.

* To provide technical and other assistance to zoos for their proper management and development on scientific lines.

CZA is associated with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

What is WAZA?

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world. 

The membership consists of nearly 400 leading institutions and organisations around the world.

It was founded as the International Association of Directors of Zoological Gardens (IUDZG) in Basel, Switzerland, in 1935. Now, WAZA is based in Barcelona, Spain.

The goal of WAZA is to guide, encourage and support zoos, aquariums and like-minded organisations of the world in animal care and welfare, environmental education and global conservation.

WAZA and its members are committed to inspire and engage the more than 700 million people who visit zoos and aquariums every year, to take action for the conservation of species and nature.

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