Lok Sabha Question No. 4033 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-10
Subject: Death of Birds and Animals in Zoos
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION  NO.4033

TO BE ANSWERED ON  10.08.2018

## Death of Birds and Animals in Zoos

## 4033.  SHRI KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether several birds and animals have died in Delhi zoos during the last three years and the current year;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to check such incidents in Delhi Zoo as well as other zoos of the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

- (a) & (b) Details of animals and birds died in National Zoological Park, Delhi during last  three  years  and  the  current  year,  as  informed  by  Director,    National Zoological Park , is as below:
- (c) The steps taken to check death of animals housed in zoos across the country including the National Zoological Park, Delhi includes:
1. The Government of India has framed Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009 for  health  upkeep  and  veterinary  care  of  the  animals  under  which following provisions have been :
- (a) As per Schedule 5 (4) of Rule 10 under the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009, respective zoo operator shall construct feeding cells and kraals as per standards specified by the Central Zoo Authority and they shall be so designed that these can also serve as indoor enclosures for the animals during extreme weather conditions as
- well as for secure stay during the nights. The CZA has prescribed minimum  sizes  of  animal  enclosures  for  the  captive  animals including birds.
- (b) Schedule 5 (6) of Rule 10 under the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009 mandates that the curatorial and the veterinary staff of every zoo shall keep a close watch on the general behaviour and health parameters of the zoo animals.
- (c) Schedule  6(6)  of  Rule  10  under  the  Recognition  of  Zoo  Rule, 2009  mandates  that  every  zoo  shall  have  linkages  with  the eminent institutions and organizations working in the field of wild animal healthcare.
2. The Central Zoo Authority has circulated 'Suggested Health Monitoring Protocol  for  Zoos'  on  18.11.2004  to  the  Chief  Wildlife Warden of all States and Union Territories and  In-charge of all the recognised zoos for upkeep and veterinary care of captive animals.
3. An advisory has been issued to all the States to constitute a Health Advisory  Committee  to  advise  the  zoo  operators  in  the  State  on Animal  Healthcare  related  matters  and  with  a  mandate  to  visit  the zoos at least once every three months to monitor compliance with the Rules regarding upkeep and healthcare of animals.
4. The Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly has been designated as National Referral Centre for extending necessary help to the zoos in the country for health and veterinary care of the captive wild animals.
5. The Central Zoo Authority, in association with the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar has developed manual on 'Standardization of Animal Diets in Indian Zoos'.
6. The Central Zoo Authority, in association with the Indian Veterinary Research  Institute  (IVRI),  Izatnagar  has  developed  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.
7. The Government of India (Central Zoo Authority) regularly evaluates all the  zoos  recognised  under  Section  38-H  of  the  Wild  Life (Protection)  Act,  1972  to  monitor  compliance  with  the  prescribed standard and norms.
8. The action has been taken against the zoos not meeting the norms and standards specified under the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009.
9. Health  Advisory  Committee  of  National  Zoological  Park  meets periodically and their recommendations  towards  healthcare and management of captive animals are also implemented by the Zoo.

| Year                           |   Number of animals/birds died |
|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
| 2015-16                        |                             97 |
| 2016-17                        |                            325 |
| 2017-18                        |                             91 |
| 2018-19 (upto 30 th June,2018) |                             51 |