9.1.9. ZOO

Zoo is an establishment, whether stationary or mobile, where captive animals are kept for exhibition to the public and includes a circus and rescue centers but does not include an establishment of a licensed dealer in captive animals - CZA .

The initial purpose of zoos was entertainment, over the decades, zoos have got transformed into centres for wildlife conservation and environmental education.

Apart from saving individual animals, zoos have a role to play in species conservation too (through captive breeding).

Do you know?

Two species of bear which have special feet are polar bear and the giant panda. The polar bear has partially webbed toes for swimming and walking on snow as well as furry bottoms to keep its feet warm on the ice. Giant pandas do not have a heel pad so they walk more on their toes.