Zoos Act, 2023 (Act No. 45 of 2023).

This Act provides for zoo management and lays down the functions to be performed by every zoo including rearing, management and control of animals in zoos; conducting animal collection, conservation and maintenance activities for educational and recreational purposes (sec. 4). An Advisory Council is constituted to fulfil the objectives of the Act (sec. 5). The measures relating to animal welfare are provided (sec. 8) along with infrastructure for animal health, treatment and services (sec. 9). Foreign species of wild animals shall not be purchased or exchanged or collected as gifts or otherwise in any zoo without the prior approval of the Government (sec. 10). The Act also contains the provisions in respect of painless death due to disability or infectious disease, quarantine, preservation of endangered species, educational and research activities, record keeping, entry fees, offences and penalties.