Full Form of CZA

What is CZA?

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. Established in 1992 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, it serves as the apex regulatory authority for all zoos in India. The CZA sets minimum standards for zoo management, animal housing, veterinary care, and visitor safety. It grants recognition to zoos, evaluates their performance, and recommends closure or improvement of substandard facilities. The Authority also promotes conservation breeding programmes for endangered species, facilitates exchange of animals between zoos, and coordinates research and education initiatives. In India, every recognized zoo must obtain a recognition certificate from CZA and comply with its prescribed norms. The CZA plays a crucial role in aligning Indian zoos with global best practices under the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). For competitive exams like UPSC, State PCS, and Environment and Ecology papers, questions on CZA frequently appear under wildlife conservation institutions. The body also advises the government on wildlife policy and works closely with other agencies such as the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India.

CZA का फुल फॉर्म

Example

The CZA recently inspected the state zoo and issued directives for upgrading the enclosures of the big cats.

CZA — frequently asked questions