ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND LAW

Central Zoo Design & Master Planning

Submitted by: Pulkit Tomar

Amity Law School Noida Uttar Pradesh
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

S. No. Topic Page No.

1 ABSTACT 1
2 INTRODUCTION 2
3 LITERATURE REVIEW 3
4 OBJECTIVE 3
5 DEVELOPMENT OF 4
ZOOS
6 SITE PLANNING 4
7 MEASURES 5-6
8 CONCLUSION 7
9 LIST OF REFERENCES 8
 ABSTACT
This research paper talks about how central zoos can be designed and regulated for a better
tourist experience and animal safeguard.
Zoos have been a popular attraction for tourists for many years, providing a unique opportunity
to view and learn about various animals from around the world.
Central zoos are facilities where wild animals are kept for public viewing, educational
purposes, research, and conservation. The design and regulation of these zoos can have a
significant impact on the well-being of the animals and the quality of the tourist experience.
These facilities have been criticized in the past for their inadequate animal welfare and poor
visitor experiences. Poorly designed and regulated zoos can result in negative impacts on both
animals and visitors. However, with advances in animal management techniques, technological
innovations, and visitor education, zoos have the potential to become powerful tools for
conservation and education while providing a high-quality visitor experience. In this research
paper, we will explore how central zoos can be designed and regulated to provide better animal
welfare and tourist experience.
We examine the current state of central zoos, identify the key issues and challenges, and
propose a set of guidelines for designing and regulating central zoos. The study explores the
role of architecture, landscape design, and technological innovation in creating a conducive
environment for animals and tourists. It also discusses the importance of ethical practices,
animal health, and safety regulations to prevent animal mistreatment and disease transmission.
We examine the various factors that contribute to a successful central zoo, including habitat
design, animal enrichment, staff training, and visitor education.
The research concludes with recommendations on how to improve the design and regulation
of central zoos for the benefit of both animals and visitors.
 INTRODUCTION

Central Zoos are places where wild animals are kept for public display. Zoos are often the sites
of sophisticated breeding centres, where endangered species may be protected and studied. The
word “zoo” is short for “zoological park.” Zoos contain wide varieties of animals that are native
to all parts of the Earth.

In India Central zoos are regulated by Central Zoo Authority (CZA). The Central Zoo Authority
(CZA) is the body of the Government of India responsible for oversight of zoos. In accordance
with the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972's section 38A, the Central Zoo Authority was
established. A Chairman, ten members, and a Member Secretary make up the Authority. The
authority's primary goal is to support the national effort to conserve wildlife. Under the 1992
Recognition of Zoo Rules, standards and norms for housing, maintenance, medical treatment,
and general administration of animals in zoos were established. Every zoo in the nation must
apply for and receive recognition from the Authority to operate. The Authority assesses the
zoos considering the standards outlined in the Rules and bestows recognition if necessary. Zoos
that are unable to meet the required standards and regulations may not be recognised and asked
to close down.
In addition to its basic duties of awarding recognition and disbursing financial aid, the Central
Zoo Authority also controls the exchange of animals in the endangered category listed under
Schedules I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act among zoos.
The agency also coordinates and implements zoo staff capacity-building programs, proposed
breeding programs. Some of the major initiatives taken since the establishment of the
institution include the creation of an endangered species conservation laboratory in Hyderabad
for biotechnological research, planned breeding and reintroduction of the red panda into the
wild, and improvement of diagnostic equipment. diagnose diseases in selected veterinary
clinics and network regionally with zoos to improve health.
Central zoos are a popular tourist attraction worldwide, with millions of visitors every year.
However, the ethical concerns regarding keeping animals in captivity and the need to safeguard
their welfare are gaining increasing attention. The challenge for zoo management is to provide
a balance between meeting the expectations of tourists and ensuring that the animals are
protected from harm. The CZA designs the architecture of the central zoo. It is responsible for
planning how a zoo would look like. There are several factors to keep in mind while designing
the zoo the authority should keep in mind how central zoos can be designed and regulated for
a better tourist experience and animal safeguard.
In this research paper I have given a brief information that how a central zoo can be planned
perfectly so that it benefits both the animals and tourist experience. Some minimum standards
have been prescribed by CZA, which the zoos must follow while preparing the design. But
there is always room for improvement which not only would help the animals but also the
tourists visiting the zoo.
 LITERATURE REVIEW

Designing central zoo is a well-known and codified procedure. The CZA has provided the
guidelines for the same, which the zoos must follow. But there is very few information about
designing of central zoos of a particular area, as there are topographic factors related to
designing a zoo which differ from place to place. There are some books on how to design a zoo
with regard to the geography, weather and other factors which may affect the designs. On the
official site of CZA we can find detailed information about the history and modification of the
designs of the zoo in India, factors which effect the designs and the whole planning that goes
into designing a zoo.
So, this is well-documented topic but still many central zoos lack the architecture and planning
to make a well-designed zoo.

OBJECTIVE

The study paper's objective is to offer a brief information about how a zoo should be designed
so that it is beneficial to animals as well as provides good experience to the visitors. This
research paper provides a summary that what are the factors that should be taken into
consideration during designing a zoo and the most effective use of resources available.
 DEVELOPMENT OF ZOOS
The evolution of wild animals from being looked at as ‘beasts’ to as one of the species like
human beings deserving our care and empathy coupled with thinking that they have also an
equal right over the resources of earth to be shared with human beings. It has played an
important role in evolution of the management of zoos worldwide. As a result, the global
history of zoo may be looked at evolving through following three phases:
a) End of 18th and 19th century: Zoos designed as Confinements
b) Early 20th century: Modernisation of Zoos
c) Late 20th century: Zoos designed as Conservation and Education Facilities

SITE PLANNING
When a zoo is established on a virgin site or by modifications to an existing site, there will be
changes. After the changes, the remodelled site and new uses must mutually relate and
complement each other. This must serve as the basis of the design of the zoo. What needs to
be ensured is that the changes which are brought about in the existing environment are designed
carefully to ensure that the existing natural systems are not disturbed. The activities and
structures brought about by the establishment of the zoo can establish a symbiotic relationship.
They should complement each other and sustain over time. This is achieved through the well-
established process of site planning.
Site planning for zoos will, principally involve 3 stages:
a) Initial Decision Making: Decision making process is carried out in conjunction with the local
governmental authorities regarding the location of the proposed zoo. It includes defining the
issues and problems of concern including articulating the site-specific zoo objectives,
definition of alternative courses of action and organising of technical studies of the site/
alternate sites.
b) Technical Planning: The second stage involves detailed planning of various processes and
services to support both decision making and design. Including but not limited to
environmental inventories such as soil, existing vegetation, topographic surveys and assessing
any heritage structures or structures of archaeological significance which will need to be
integrated in the final layout of the zoo.
c) Landscape Planning and Design: ‘Planning’ denotes activity zoning on the entire zoo site,
while ‘Design’ refers to landscape decision on smaller areas and design of individual elements
such as signage, railings, fences etc.
 MEASURES

Design Measures
The design of a central zoo should prioritize the welfare of the animals, while also providing
visitors with an engaging and educational experience. Some of the design considerations that
should be taken into account include:
1. Enclosure Design: Zoos should design enclosures that mimic the natural habitat of the
animals as closely as possible. The enclosures should be spacious, enriched, and
provide opportunities for the animals to engage in natural behaviours.
2. Visitor Experience: Zoos should design visitor paths that provide a good view of the
animals while also ensuring visitor safety. The visitor experience should be interactive
and educational, with opportunities for visitors to learn about the animals and their
habitats.
3. Animal Management: Zoos should implement animal management programs that
prioritize the welfare of the animals. This includes providing appropriate nutrition,
veterinary care, and opportunities for socialization and enrichment.
4. Technological Innovation: The use of technology in central zoos can also enhance the
tourist experience and animal safeguard. Technological innovations such as virtual
reality, interactive exhibits, and audio guides can provide visitors with a more
immersive and educational experience. These technologies can also reduce the need
for direct interaction between animals and visitors, which can be stressful for animals.
5. Accessibility: A central zoo should be easily accessible for all visitors, regardless of
their physical abilities. The zoo should provide ramps, lifts, and wheelchair access,
ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience equally. The zoo should also be well-
lit, easy to navigate, and have clear signs and directions.

Regulatory Measures
In order to ensure that central zoos are designed and operated in a way that promotes animal
welfare and provides visitors with an engaging experience, regulation is necessary. The
following are some of the regulations that should be implemented:
1. Accreditation: Zoos should be accredited by recognized organizations that set standards
for animal welfare, conservation, and education. This provides a framework for zoos to
operate within and ensures that they meet high standards.
2. Inspection: Zoos should be inspected regularly by independent bodies to ensure that
they are complying with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements.
3. Enforcement: Zoos that fail to meet accreditation standards or regulatory requirements
should face consequences, such as fines, license revocation, or legal action.
 4. Staff Training: All staff members should receive comprehensive training on animal
welfare, behaviour, and husbandry to ensure that they are able to provide the best
possible care for the animals.
5. Ethical Guidelines: Central zoos should have ethical guidelines in place that outline the
standards for animal care and the responsibilities of the zoo in terms of education and
conservation.
6. Visitor Education: Central zoos should provide visitors with educational materials and
programs that promote animal welfare and conservation.
7. Conservation: Central zoos can play an important role in conservation efforts, by
supporting breeding programs and conservation research. The design and regulation of
the zoo should consider these conservation goals and ensure that the animals in the
facility are part of a larger conservation effort.
8. Funding: Central zoos require significant funding to operate, and this can be a challenge
for many facilities. The design and regulation of the zoo should take into account the
financial resources available and ensure that the facility is sustainable over the long-
term.
Precautionary Measures
1. Disaster Management Design Measures: Inspite of all possible precautions, disasters
happen. They must be dealt with post occurrence. The range in terms of type of disasters
and their scale is very wide. There are disasters common to any location or type of
institution including zoos.
2. Contingency Plan & Measures: The nature of contingencies is such that in almost all
cases the response will have to be swift and effective. It implies that the tools, at least
the minimum required, should be available at site of the contingency
3. Measures to Prevent Intra- Animal Conflict: It is extremely important that placement
of enclosures is done with extreme care, sensitivity and full knowledge and experience
of animal behaviour. Otherwise, if wrongly placed, animals may remain under
continuous stress (affecting their health and breeding and resulting in abnormal
behaviour) and worse still may result in animal conflict.
4. Prevention of Visibility Between Enclosures: When the adjacent animals are not
comfortable being near to each other, the situation is worsened when the adjacent
animals are able to view each other. In this condition, it is desirable to at least prevent
visual contact, even though the animals are able to sense the close presence of each
other. The simplest method is to have green buffer to obstruct visibility as well as access
between the enclosures.
5. Infiltration of Animals & Intruders from Outside: The zoo must be secured from wild
(and even domestic/ feral) animal as well as from human intruders. The perimeter can
be in the form of boundary wall or fencing depending on the kind of protection required.
Besides the above it is necessary that the material used for boundary protection should
be able to resist weathering / erosion and should have excellent workmanship to ensure
long term security and prevention of accidents.
6. Prevention of Escaped Animals from Inside the Zoo to Outside: Such occurrences, rare
as they may be, have to be attended to by prior installation of preventative measures.
The measures should include design measures to restrict animals within a pre-
determined section/ sector/ area of the zoo after the escape alert has been sounded. This
 can be achieved by closing the gates and isolating the sector in which the animal has
escaped.

CONCLUSION

Central zoos have the potential to be powerful tools for conservation and education while
providing a high-quality visitor experience. However, poorly designed and regulated zoos can
negatively impact both animals and visitors. Effective design and regulation are crucial to
ensure that Central Zoos provide an optimal experience for visitors while safeguarding animals.
By considering essential factors such as enclosure and habitat design, visitor amenities, staff
qualifications and training, animal welfare, and visitor management, Central Zoos can be
designed and regulated to achieve these goals. Central zoos should focus on creating immersive
and interactive habitats that mimic the animal's natural environment and incorporate
educational and conservation-based exhibits. Zoos must also comply with international and
national animal welfare standards, have a strict animal acquisition policy, and provide animals
with adequate space and enrichment to prevent stress and abnormal behaviour. These measures
should be supported by a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement,
to ensure that central zoos remain relevant and effective in promoting conservation and
education.
 LIST OF REFERENCES
1. https://cza.nic.in/uploads/documents/publications/english/ZOO%20BOO
K___LOW-RES.pdf

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Zoo_Authority#:~:text=The%20Ce
ntral%20Zoo%20Authority%20has,in%20conservation%20of%20wild%
20life.