Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB Delhi · Read the original release on pib.gov.in
- It aims to enforce uniform welfare standards and improve coordination between zookeepers and zoo management in Central India.
A three-day regional training program for zookeepers from Central India began today at the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal. Organized by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and IIFM from October 7 to 9, 2026, the program aims to enhance the professional capabilities of zookeepers in education related to the care of zoo animals, their behavior, operation of facilities and conservation.
One of the functions of the Central Zoo Authority under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is to coordinate the training of zoo personnel. Recognizing that zoo keepers form the backbone of zoo operations and directly provide day-to-day care to the animals, this regional initiative provides training in both technical classroom sessions and field visits at Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal.
IIFM Director Dr. K. In his inaugural address, Ravichandran described the zookeepers as the mainstay of the zoo's daily functioning. He said that the success of zoo management actually depends on their hard work and dedication. He emphasized that providing zookeepers with systematic technical training and exposure to safety protocols increases overall efficiency, reduces on-the-job risks, and enhances the role of zoos in conservation education.
Addressing the session, Dr. V. Clement Ben, Member Secretary, CZA, emphasized that keepers are the most important people in zoo management, as it is their daily monitoring that determines the health and welfare of the animals. Modern methods of caring for animals in zoos require continuous learning, adherence to strict safety regulations, and accurate record keeping. He asked keepers to make safety a daily habit and work closely with veterinarians and managers. Dr. Ben reminded them that their daily work has a direct impact on animal welfare, operational safety and conservation outcomes.
The objective of this initiative is to establish uniform standards of welfare across zoos in Central India and to create better coordination between zookeepers and zoo management.
This is the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and is published without changes.
