New Delhi: The National Zoological Park is undergoing a major transformation as it gears up to be developed along the lines of Gujarat’s world-renowned Vantara model.
A six-member expert team from Vantara (GZRRC – Greens Zoological Rescue and Research Centre) has arrived to train zoo staff, focusing on animal welfare, scientific management, and breeding support.
However, the initiative has not gone smoothly, as a section of the zoo staff is protesting the training program.
Seven-Day Training for Capacity Building and Scientific Management
According to officials, the Vantara experts will conduct a seven-day capacity building program aimed at –
- Enhancing scientific wildlife management
- Providing technical support for animal breeding
- Offering consultations on modern zoo practices
“The goal is to align the zoo with global standards,” said Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, Director of the National Zoological Park.
“Regular capacity building programs are being conducted to enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of staff for better management of wildlife and the zoo,” he added.
Zoo Staff Protest Sudden Training, Raise Safety and Job Role Concerns
Despite the ambitious upgrade, the arrival of the Vantara team has sparked dissent. According to inside sources, many zoo employees boycotted the training, stating that they were not informed in advance.
Recently recruited MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff) claimed they were being assigned tasks involving dangerous wildlife, which was not part of their job description.
Senior zoo employees also expressed dissatisfaction, citing lack of communication and transparency from the management.
One protesting employee said, “We were never told that we’d be handling wild animals. This is not part of our official duties, and it’s a serious safety issue.”
Zoo Likely to Be Handed Over to Society or Renowned Private Entity
In a significant administrative shift, sources say that the zoo management may soon be handed over to a Society or possibly a renowned national company, as part of long-term development plans.
A proposal file is reportedly under review with the Director, and final clarity is expected soon. This shift would bring Vantara-inspired management standards to the zoo, improving animal care, visitor experience, and operational efficiency.
Zoo to Reopen After October 30 Following Bird Flu Outbreak
The National Zoological Park, which was temporarily closed in late August 2025 after an outbreak of Avian Influenza (H5N1), is expected to reopen after October 30, pending final test results.
Current Health Situation:
- No bird deaths since September 1
- Final samples tested negative for H5N1 at the Bhopal lab
- No active virus currently detected
However, two more rounds of avian surveillance sampling will be conducted as per protocol. Once results are confirmed negative, public access to the zoo will resume.
“The situation is under control, and our latest samples are negative,” said a senior zoo official.
“We are ensuring full compliance with biosecurity measures before reopening.”
Bird Flu Timeline & Casualties
Late August 2025: Zoo closed following confirmation of bird flu.
Initial deaths: Two painted storks
Total bird deaths during outbreak:
- 6 painted storks
- 2 black-headed ibises
- 4 migratory painted storks
These occurred mostly in Beat No. 12, particularly around bird enclosures and nearby ponds.
Health Recovery
The National Zoological Park is at a crossroads, balancing animal welfare modernization with internal staff unrest and public health recovery.
While collaboration with Vantara could usher in a new era of excellence in zoo management, the administration faces the dual challenge of addressing employee concerns and ensuring smooth reopening post-bird flu containment.
