On October 10-11, 2021, a two-day National conference for zoo directors and veterinarians 2021 was hosted by Sardar Patel Zoological Park, Kevadia, Gujarat. Organized by Central Zoo Authority (CZA), it was attended by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
- At the valedictory, Mrs Sudha Murthy, Chairperson Infosys Foundation was felicitated.
- An outreach movie titled ‘Live in harmony with nature, stop illegal trade in wildlife’ produced by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) was also released during the conference.
Aim of Conference:
To discuss and volunteer the new frontiers in zoo management and off-site conservation in the country
Release of Publications:
The Union Minister along with Kiritsinh Rana, Minister for Forest and Environment, Government of Gujarat released the following three important publications of CZA:
i.Vision Plan (2021-2031) for Indian zoos: This plan will make them at par with the global standards and strengthening of CZA. Click here for full plan
ii.WASH Manual for Zoos: CZA in collaboration with UNICEF has developed a Guideline to provide guidance to zoos for creating and maintaining wash facilities within their premises for staff and visitors.
iii.AzadiKa Amrit Mahotsav – A Compilation (Vol 1): CZA in support with the zoos across the country is celebrating AzadiKa Amrit Mahotsav. The theme for the celebration has been to showcase 75 species across 75 zoos though massive outreach programs in the 75 weeks.
- To showcase and compile the same, a coffee table book style compilation of celebrations during the first 25 weeks as vol 1 was launched.
key points:
i.Union Environment Minister encouraged zoos to become financially independent and consider CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and public private partnerships.
ii.There should be focus on local birds and animals as priority species for conservation.
iii.As of today there are more than 150 recognized zoos and rescue centers in the country that adhere to the guidelines and high standards of wild animal welfare.
Prani Mitra Awards 2021:
The dignitaries also gave away the CZA constituted annual Prani Mitra Awards that are given under 4 categories of – outstanding contribution by zoo director/ curator, biologist/ educationists, veterinarian and the animal keeper/ zoo frontline. Following are the winners:
| Award | Awardee |
|---|---|
| Outstanding Animal Keeper | Shrimati Lakhidevi, Bhagwan Birsa zoological Park, Ranchi Jharkhand |
| Outstanding Educationist/ Biologist | Harpal Singh, Educationist Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park Chatbir, Punjab |
| Outstanding Veterinarian | Dr Illiyaraja, Agra Bear Rescue Facility, Uttar Pradesh |
| Outstanding Director | Dr Vibhu Prakash Mathur, Director Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre, Pinjore Haryana |
Recent Related News:
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav launched “PRANA” – Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment Cities(NACs), a portal to monitor the implementation of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
About Central Zoo Authority (CZA):
Parent Organization– Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
Chairman– Union Minister MoEF&CC (Currently- Bhupender Yadav)
Headquarter– New Delhi, Delhi
