The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, through the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), has launched a regional training programme for zookeepers working in zoos across Central India. The three-day initiative, held from 7 to 9 October 2026 at IIFM in Bhopal, is designed to strengthen the technical skills and professional knowledge of zoo staff responsible for daily animal care and management.
The programme recognises that zookeepers form the operational foundation of zoological parks and directly influence the quality of animal welfare and zoo safety. The CZA, which functions under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, included coordination of zoo personnel training among its official responsibilities, making this regional initiative part of a structured effort to improve zoo operations across the country.
Key facts
- Training duration: 3 days, 7 to 9 October 2026
- Location: Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal
- Organising bodies: Central Zoo Authority and IIFM
- Participants: Zookeepers from zoos in Central India
- Includes: Classroom sessions and field visit to Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal
- Key focus areas: Captive animal care, animal behaviour, facility operations, and conservation education
What the programme covers
The training combines both theoretical and practical learning. Classroom sessions cover technical aspects of captive animal care, understanding animal behaviour patterns, managing zoo facilities, and the role of zoos in wildlife conservation education. Participants also undertake a hands-on field visit to Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal, allowing them to apply their learning in a real zoo environment.
The curriculum emphasises that modern zookeeping requires continuous learning, strict adherence to safety protocols, and systematic record-keeping. The programme stresses the importance of building close working relationships between zookeepers, veterinarians, and zoo management, as coordinated teamwork directly affects animal welfare outcomes and operational safety.
Why this training matters
Zookeepers are often the first to notice signs of illness, stress, or welfare problems in captive animals. Their daily vigilance and careful observation provide crucial early warning indicators for health issues. However, their role extends beyond animal care: they also contribute to visitor safety, maintain zoo facilities, and help communicate conservation messages to the public.
The programme aims to establish uniform welfare standards across zoos in Central India. Currently, zookeeping practices may vary from one zoo to another, which can lead to inconsistent animal care standards. By bringing zookeepers together for structured training, the CZA and IIFM seek to create a common framework for best practices in animal management, safety culture, and operational efficiency.
Connection to existing CZA functions
Training zoo personnel is an established function of the Central Zoo Authority under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This regional programme in Central India represents a targeted approach to fulfilling that mandate. By working with IIFM, a national institution for forest and wildlife management training, the CZA ensures that the training is grounded in both technical expertise and conservation principles.
What this means for zoos and citizens
Better-trained zookeepers lead to improved animal welfare standards within zoos, which benefits both the animals in captivity and the educational experience of zoo visitors. Enhanced coordination between keepers and management also reduces workplace accidents and improves operational efficiency. For citizens visiting zoos, this can translate into better-maintained facilities, healthier animals on display, and more meaningful conservation education.
The programme also strengthens the foundation for zoos to fulfil their broader conservation role, including captive breeding programmes for endangered species and public awareness about wildlife protection. As zookeepers develop stronger technical competence and safety awareness, they become more effective contributors to these conservation missions.
Future regional initiatives
The release indicates that this is a regional initiative focused on Central India. The CZA may consider similar training programmes for zookeepers in other parts of the country, as the model demonstrates how to systematically upgrade professional standards across multiple zoos in a geographical area.