changeadminA three-day regional training programme for zoo keepers in Central India began today at the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal.
Organised jointly by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and IIFM from 7th to 9th October, 2026, the programme aims to strengthen zoo keepers’ professional capacity in captive animal care, behaviour, facility operations, and conservation education.
One function of the Central Zoo Authority under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is to co-ordinate training for zoo personnel.
Recognising that zookeepers form the operational backbone of zoological parks and are directly responsible for daily animal management, this regional initiative provides both technical classroom sessions and hands-on field visits at Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal.
In his inaugural address, Director (IIFM), Dr K. Ravichandran, recognised zookeepers as the frontline foundation of daily zoo operations, noting that the success of zoo management ultimately rests on their hands-on dedication.
He emphasised that grounding keepers in structured technical training and safety protocols boosts operational efficiency, reduces on-the-job risks, and strengthens zoos’ role in conservation education.
Addressing the session, Member Secretary (CZA), Dr V. Clement Ben, emphasised that animal keepers are at the heart of zoo management, as their daily vigilance provides the earliest indicators of an animal’s health and welfare. Modern zookeeping requires continuous learning, strict safety practices, and disciplined record-keeping.
He urged keepers to treat safety as a daily culture and foster close teamwork with veterinarians and managers, reminding them that their daily work directly shapes animal welfare, operational safety, and conservation outcomes.
The initiative seeks to establish uniform welfare standards and enhance coordination between zookeepers and zoo management across zoos in Central India.
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