File No. 7-5/2006-CZA (Vol.II)
Dated the 7th November 2009
CIRCULAR
Subject : Banning elephants from zoo collections
Time and again, it has been
brought to the notice of this Authority that the housekeeping of elephants in
zoos leaves a lot to be desired, causing trauma to the animal. Elephant is a
large mega herbivore, which is free ranging, cruising over long distances.
There are very few zoos in the country, which has adequate space to permit free
movement of elephants, as a result of which they are kept chained for long
hours, causing stress to the animal. Further, more often than not, such captive
elephants in zoos hardly breed. There are instances of zoo elephants coming in ‘Musth’
causing serious threats to visitors. The Zoo management also has tremendous
financial liability for the day-to-day maintenance / housekeeping of elephants.
There is very little scope for ex-situ linage in the context of zoo elephants
in India.
Considering the above, the
following directives are issued:
(i)
Elephants
are banned from zoo collections throughout the country with immediate effect.
All captive elephants in zoos should be rehabilitated in elephant camps /
rehabilitation camps / facilities available with the forest department at
National Parks / Wildlife Sanctuaries / Tiger Reserves for departmental use.
(ii)
The
guidelines / precautions issued by this Authority for transporting zoo animals,
time and again, should be strictly followed. The programme for transporting
elephants should be drawn up in consultation with Chief Wildlife Warden of the
State, under whose supervisory control the said process should be conducted.
(iii)
The Central
Zoo Authority would bear the cost for transportation of elephants in this
regards, based on a proposal through the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State.
(Dr. Rajesh Gopal)
Member Secretary 
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