**Summary:**
In response to a parliamentary inquiry (Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2377, dated 04.08.2025), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change clarified the government's position on the management of National Zoological Parks. The Ministry stated that while technical collaboration Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are signed by zoos, including the National Zoological Park in Delhi, for conservation, research, and animal welfare purposes, no agreement has been signed to transfer the management and control of the National Zoological Park in Delhi to any private entity. The Ministry further clarified that the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, provides the regulatory framework for zoo recognition and animal acquisition. Finally, the Ministry affirmed that the Central Zoo Authority has not issued any advisory to states regarding the transfer of zoo management and control to private entities. The response was provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh.
Key Entities Referenced
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE: A ministry within the Government of India responsible for environmental and forestry matters.
National Zoological Parks: Refers to the National Zoological Parks in India.
MS SAYANI GHOSH: Member of Parliament who raised the question in Lok Sabha.
National Zoological Park in Delhi: A zoological park located in Delhi, India.
SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH: Minister of State in the MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE.
Technical collaboration MoUs: Memorandums of Understanding focusing on technical collaboration for zoos.
The Wild Life Protection Act, 1972: An act of the Parliament of India enacted in 1972 for the protection of plants and animal species.
Central Zoo Authority: The body responsible for overseeing and regulating zoos in India.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2377
TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025
Transferring Management of National Zoological Parks to Private Entity
2377. MS SAYANI GHOSH:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to
state:
(a) whether there is any policy/mechanism to transfer the management and control of
National Zoo or Wildlife Parks to private entities, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the National Zoological Park in Delhi has signed any agreement with private
entity, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it is a fact that the animals from National Zoological Park in Delhi shall be
shared or exchanged with private entity, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether there is any proposal or advisory to be send to the States for transferring the
management and control of other Zoological Park in the hands of private entities, if so,
the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND
CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) to (d) Technical collaboration MoUs are signed by the Zoos, including National
Zoological Park, Delhi for conservation, research and welfare of Zoo animals.
However, no agreement has been signed by the National Zoological Park, Delhi
regarding transfer of its management and control to any private entity. The Wild
Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides a regulatory framework for recognition of
zoos and acquisition of animals by the recognized zoos.
No advisory has been issued by the Central Zoo Authority to the States for
transferring the management and control of zoos to private entities.
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