Context: Recently, Union Environment Minister released the Vision Plan (2021-2031) for Indian zoos by Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to upgrade them to global standards and strengthening of Central Zoo Authority.

• The exhaustive 10 years vision plan has been arrived at after a very stringent data mining and stakeholder consultive process and is expected to give a direction towards ex-situ conservation approaches in India.

Objective

• The vision document is committed to making CZA and Indian zoos a greater force for conservation by providing unparalleled animal care, cutting edge research, and immersive visitor experiences that strike meaningful chords with people of all ages.

Central Zoo Authority (CZA)

• It is the statutory regulatory body for zoos in India. It was established in 1992.
• Objective: To complement and strengthen the national effort in the conservation of the rich biodiversity of the country, particularly the fauna as per the National Zoo Policy, 1998.
• Functions: It enforces minimum standards and norms for the upkeep and healthcare of animals in Indian zoos.
• Every zoo in the country is required to obtain recognition from CZA for its operation.
• It can also de-recognise zoos.