A zookeeper feeds a tiger at Nandankanan zoo in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 17: The wildlife wing of the state government has proposed to the Central Zoo Authority that a separate cadre be created for zookeepers to ensure better care of animals.

Principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) J.D. Sharma spelt out the proposal at the inaugural session of the four-day seminar on conservation of endangered species in zoos here yesterday. He said this would help employees in zoos such as Nandankanan and Kapilas. In many zoos, zookeepers were still working as daily wage labourers, he said.

“On many occasions, the animal keepers go on cease-work and when we approach the state government for a permanent solution, officials of the finance department tell us that with the absence of a cadre rule they cannot do much for the zookeepers,” J.D. Sharma told The Telegraph.

As the central regulator, the Central Zoo Authority should take the lead and formulate a rule so that after being an animal keeper for a certain period, the worker can get assured career benefits. With the Central Zoo Authority document in hand, getting service benefits for grassroots workers in zoos will be an easier task for zoo managers and wildlife administrators, said the principal chief conservator of forests.

Environment and forests secretary R.K. Sharma endorsed J.D Sharma’s suggestions for the zookeeper cadre rule. “We consider the animals residents, not exhibits at our zoos. If we can provide a better environment and service conditions for their keepers, our animals will be safer and happier,” he said.

The forests secretary, however, said zoos across the nation should share their best practices through mutual cooperation so that benchmarking of the best practices was made possible.

The zoo in Hyderabad has some of the best practices and innovations to its credit. “We should have capacity building programmes at local zoos so that the best practices from other zoos may be introduced here,” said the forests secretary.

Central Zoo Authority member secretary B.S. Bonal promised that the apex body of zoos would certainly help formulate a uniform service code.

Forty experts from eight states are participating in the workshop, which is covering eastern and north-eastern states. The Central Zoo Authority has identified 26 endangered animal and bird species to release funds for conservation breeding. The experts will prepare a conservation action plan at least 21 endangered species at the four-day event, which is being jointly organised by Nandankanan Zoo, the Central Zoo Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India.