Role of Zoo in wildlife Management and conservation Education in Central Zoo, Lalitpur Nepal.

Prajapati, Nilam

Role of Zoo in wildlife Management and conservation Education in Central Zoo, Lalitpur Nepal.

Publisher

Department of Zoology

Abstract

The study was conducted at Central Zoo, Kathmandu with an aim to explore the role of Central Zoo in wildlife management and conservation education. The specific objectives were to know the status and identify the management challenges of animals in zoo, to evaluate the conservation education among visitors, and to identify the roles played by Central Zoo in conservation education. Key informant interview, questionnaire survey, literature review for comparison and regular field visit were done to meet the objectives. Among 400 questionnaire survey, 12 were incomplete so neglecting those only 388 questionnaire surveys were analyzed using different statistical methods. Comparison of enclosure and diet of only charismatic mammals with other zoos were done to evaluate the overall status of zoo. Central zoo gives shelter to 118 species. The result revealed that the overall status of zoo was not sufficient for management and conservation of animals. The enclosure/ cage size does not meet the standard size. The diet given for animals were similar to standard diet given for captive animals. Central Zoo mainly focused to FOZ (Friends of Zoo) members for conservation education while other visitors are unknown about the conservation programs. Among the respondents, 59.79% were unaware about the conservation programs and 40.20% were aware that zoo conducts conservation programs. In the context of conservation education programs conducted by CZ, result interpret highly significant difference (χ xiv 2 =35.64, df=1, p< 0.002) between FOZ and nonFOZ. Visitors seems to be satisfied to the conservation programs conducted by central zoo. Zoo conducts various programs for FOZ members providing knowledge of different species, their status, their importance and aware them to protect animals. It conducts various awareness programs and celebrates all important international days such as World Environment Day, World Tiger Day, World Red Panda Day, World Pangolin Day etc. This study suggests that present condition of zoo needs to be improved and try to meet the international standard level. Rapid construction and renovation work of enclosure should be done and also should focused in visitor facilities. Not only FOZ members they should also organize special programs for other visitors and encourage them in conservation through their programs.