The Centre for Environment Education (CEE) is honoured to have been entrusted by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to collaborate on the development of Master Education Plan for Zoos of India. 

Having recognized that education is as important as a mandate as conservation, zoos often do not have a framework within which to plan active educational programmes that are responsive to the needs of users. 

This is where a Master Plan can play a useful role. A Master Plan creates a vision that is supported by policies, guidelines, and priorities; it supports the coordinated growth of the separate facilities and functions to achieve the specific objectives. The plan faces these challenges, shares experiences and gives a direction for the future. 

This pilot document deals with all these issues and more. It is a report that is a result of extensive discussions and research. Directors of zoos from all over India participated over several meetings and workshops. All zoos in the country were visited and extensive secondary research was also done. Various surveys catering to different strata of zoo staff, including different categories of zoo visitors was carried out. The report therefore reflects not only innovative ideas but also the rich experience of educational programmes carried out in zoos across India. 

The Master Plan for Zoos of India this pilot document developed by CEE in collaboration with the CZA was launched by Thiru.S. Regupathy, Honourable Minister of State for Environment & Forest (Forest and Wildlife) Government of India and Chairman of CZA on the 27th of January 2009, at CZA’s 22nd Annual meeting in Delhi.