Jairam Ramesh expresses concern over mortality rate of animals in zoos

New Delhi, Aug 2 (ANI): Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh on Monday said the mortality rate of animals in the zoos is a cause of concern, but not alarming.

The mortality rate is between six to seven percent, which is low compared to international ratio. It is not possible to make new zoos, but the proposal to relocate some of them housed in congested areas is under active consideration of the Ministry of Environment and Forests," said Ramesh.

"The central zoo authority only oversees the implementation of the rules and regulations and accordingly grants or cancels their recognition, but State Governments are responsible for their upkeep and administration," he added replying to the supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha today.

Jairam Ramesh further said restructuring of the central zoo authority is high on the agenda of the Government and steps are being taken to set up five regional offices of zoo authority to strengthen 198 zoos in the country. (ANI)