- Status: Statutory autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Established: 1992 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Purpose: To ensure scientific management, welfare, and conservation of animals in Indian zoos.
- Recognition: Every zoo in India must obtain CZA approval to operate legally.
Key Objectives:
- Enforce minimum standards for housing, care, and veterinary management of zoo animals.
- Evaluate and monitor zoos for compliance with prescribed norms.
- Grant or withdraw recognition based on performance.
- Identify and assign endangered species for captive breeding.
- Provide technical and financial assistance to improve zoo infrastructure.
- Support ex-situ conservation and biotechnology-based research to aid in-situ efforts.