Context:
Four jackals escaped from the National Zoological Park (NZP), Delhi; one has been guided back to its enclosure while three are still at large, prompting alert among zoo authorities.
Key Highlights
- Incident Details
- Four jackals escaped; one captured, three still missing as of Sunday.
- Response Measures
- Trap cages deployed; additional staff engaged to locate animals.
- Teams sent to trace and return the missing jackals.
- Administrative Actions
- Animal capture teams and security personnel alerted.
- Joint Director of NZP directed to conduct inquiry and submit a report.
Relevant Prelims Points
- National Zoological Park (NZP), Delhi:
- Also known as Delhi Zoo; under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Jackal – Species Facts:
- Belongs to Canidae family; species in India include Indian Golden Jackal (Canis aureus indicus).
- Listed under Schedule II of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Wildlife Management in Zoos
- Mandates enclosure safety, animal welfare protocols, and emergency response for escape events.
Relevant Mains Points
- Concerns in zoo management – ageing enclosures, staff shortages, emergency preparedness gaps.
- Public Safety vs Animal Protection – ethical handling during escape events.
- Way Forward
- Strengthening enclosure infrastructure, technology-assisted tracking (CCTV, GPS tags), and staff training for emergencies.
- Standard protocol compliance under Central Zoo Authority (CZA) norms.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
GS-3: Environment – Wildlife Protection | GS-2: Governance – Administrative Accountability | Prelims: Wildlife Protection Act, Zoo Authority, NZP