SAZSAZ ARARCC

FIRST SOUTH ASIAN MEETING HELD IN CENTRAL ZOO, KMTNC KATHMANDU, NEPAL -- ASSOCIATION FORMED

Although much of the likely) was gratefully international zoo world today accepted by the committee. is organised, South Asia Annual meetings will take remained out of the picture. place in connection with India -- with its multiplicity of CBSG South Asia Annual , Central Zoo Authority Meeting (probably around and Indian Zoo Directors' August or September) and Association -- was well some good training course. known, but the countries surrounding it have not Zoo Outreach Organisation enjoyed the same degree of offered to serve as admini- attention. It was not known, strative office for the fledgling even, how many zoos some association for two years or of these countries had. so till its feathers fully fill out and will provide the organising An effort was made to unite committee members and the these countries by publishing South Asia Zoos with all their news and sending Zoo managers, veterinarians, curators and educators from possible materials and Bangladesh, India, , Sri Lanka and Nepal periodical bulletins and contacts so it may develop booklets of use to them for links with other associations, the last several years. The following day, after Association for Regional institutions and individuals However, with the formation of hearing zoo reports from Cooperation -- was selected around the world. CBSG South Asia it was every country and zoo, a out of nine suggestions. The decided to take the step of meeting of the zoo organising committee will This newsletter is a organising a meeting in personnel was held to research weighty questions of temporary device to fill the connection with a CBSG, decide if communication, registration, by-laws, need of the hour -- to promote South Asia meeting. Due to coordination, and constitution, membership, etc., the new association and to various time and date cooperation between these staying in touch with founder serve as its communication constraints, only a day and a countries was desirable and members and others by email. medium for the time being. bit could be allocated for the if so, how best to go about it. News and announcements zoo meeting, but on the There was no dissenting The invitation of Sri Lanka to are welcome from South evening of 3 August, in the opinion that a regional host the next meeting (official Asia and other regional and Clarion Hotel in Kathmandu, association to aid in permission pending but national associations. Nepal 16 zoo officials from communication, cooperation five countries and 11 zoos and coordination was very met and introduced much wanted by all present. themselves, their zoos along It was decided to form there with their problems and and then create an ad hoc potential to one another. committee to work out details of registration and Many of these zoo officials rules, etc. The names and lived in the same country but contact information for these had not met before, so it was committee members follows an incredibly touching and elsewhere in this newsletter. moving occasion. The atmosphere was weighted Later the organising comm- with excitement and ittee met and deliberated a happiness at finally coming name and acronym for the together which no one was association. After much shy to express. deliberation SAZARC (sahz- Participants finding a lot to smile about at the first ark) -- South Asian Zoo get-together at Clarion Hotel.

South Asian Zoo Association for Regional Cooperation Participants were asked to tell regional basis, coordination why they came to the meeting amongst the south Asian and what they hoped to achieve zoos. I think this is the first for their zoo and for their country. step of zoo conservation of wildlife as well as nature Jayanthi Alahakoon, Sri Lanka unitedly. - to learn breeding techniques for WHY WE CAME endangered . Shitol Kumar Nath, - share my knowledge on The South Asian zoo meeting evening ice-breaker, Chittagong Zoo tranquilization of wild animals Hotel Clarion, 3 August 2000 - I want to gather information with other vets. from a South Asian Zoo - learn possibilities of exchanging Association about animal surplus animals exchange. This meeting will - gain knowledge on veterinary be helpful to me and my aspect and Friends of the Zoo country to gather various knowledge and build a S. Gunasena, Sri Lanka network of South Asian Zoos. - to share my knowledge and It will help us all. experience on zoo management - learn more about conservation Dr. Mohammed Shahidullah, breeding for reintroduction of Dakha Zoo - to form a South Asian Zoo - visualise and learn more about Association. zoo education programmes for - insure that the association our new zoo in Pinnewala and will guide government/people - establish contacts personally about zoos – and educate Participants share their hopes for the meeting to work towards a regional at the first introduction. people about the ills of cooperation. departmental transfers. - pursue animal exchanges Mazhar Hussain, This meeting should become a success to develop regional - to get more guidance in zoo management and planning and international cooperation for zoo development, - learn how to develop a masterplan for present and future zoos. management and conservation of wildlife throughout the - learn how to upgrade an existing small zoo world. - learn how to develop a masterplan for a new large zoo - explore possibilities of cooperation for exchange of animals Mansoor Qazi, Zoo and and sharing of expertise with other zoos in the region. - exchange views and expertise as well as surplus animals - help provide facilites for the betterment of zoos. Uzma Khan, - I hope we will share our knowledge with one another about - to learn more from the education workshop for my zoo and legislation, conservation, breeding techniques, zoo architecture, launch the same for other zoos in Pakistan. veterinary aspects and many other technical aspects - meet people from other zoos and exchange ideas particularly about education R.K. Sahu, Ahmedabad Zoo - share my knowledge and ideas Arshad Toosy, Lahore Zoo - transfer technology. - to learn more from other regional zoos. - get information exchange on breeding species. - share problems/difficulties - establish a South Asian Zoo organisation for better planned Geetha Shreshta, Central Zoo -- breeding programmes. - to share views and exchange ideas with other regional zoos.

Serazul Islam, Dakha Zoo Ang Phuri Sherpa, Central Zoo -- - to form an association of South Asian Zoos - I want the South Asian Zoos to become a consolidated - improve animal exchange between countries and force as a region in the world and to work towards the 3 C’s - get ideas about zoo conservation education programmes. of conservation. What I feel is that my country will be benefitted having different information related to conservation of wildlife and management R.K. Shreshta, Central Zoo -- Want to promote unity among of zoo through exchange of views and ideas. South Asian Zoos and the exchange of ideas.

Narayan C. Roy, Rangpur Zoo Dr. Ghimere, Central Zoo - to get some assistance from the South Asian zoo organisation - this meeting should become a success to develop regional to help improve and modernize my zoo. This meeting will help understanding for zoo development and management. us to share information, technologies, cooperation on 2 South Asian Zoo Association for Regional Cooperation Participants of the First South Asian Zoo Association -- Discussion Summary South Asian Regional Zoo Meeting

Zoo Personnel On 4 August, after hearing state of the of this meeting, however, not all zoos or Mr. Mansoor Qazi, Director, zoos country reports and individual zoo zoological bodies are of a standard that , Karachi Safari Park Pakistan reports, participants of the South Asian would make the association proud. The Ms. Uzma Khan, Education Officer, Zoo meeting discussed some of the point of having a regional association Lahore Zoo, Pakistan problems faced by south Asian zoos in was to be on equal footing with the Mr. Mazhar Hussain, Director, context of the Association topic. world's zoo, which requires strong Fatima Jenna Park, Islamabad ethics and standards. There are many Discussions concluded that South questions about member-ship which Dr. Arshad H. Toosey, Director, Asian zoos suffered from very similar would require careful thought. Also it Lahore Zoo, Pakistan problems, the most severe of which, at was not known whether certain zoos least for the border countries, was Dr. Mohammad Islam, Curator, would require government permission isolation. Until now, cooperation could Dakha Zoo, Bangladesh to join a regional body. take place only on the Directors' personal Dr. MD. Shahidullah, Deputy Curator capacity and this was very difficult. Finally it was fully agreed on the following Dakha Zoo, Bangladesh points Discussants concluded that Mr. Shital Kumar Nath , Curator & Member - to go for a regional association institutionalizing cooperation with a Secretary, Chittagong Zoo, Bangladesh - for Central zoo to investigate coordinating body was urgently formalities of registration in Nepal Dr. Narayan C. Roy, Deputy Curator required. A concern was expressed - Director of Central Zoo would be Rangpur zoo, Bangladesh that the association should not be "Convenor" of the association Mr. Senarath Gunasena, Director affected by biased politics or individual - An ad hoc committee with one or two National Zoological Gardens, Sri Lanka politicians. (Zoos influenced by representatives from all South Asian politicians) Dr. Jayanthi Alahakoon, Vetrinary Surgeon countries would be set up for the time National Zoological Gardens, Sri Lanka It was felt by discussants that since being Dr. R. K. Sahu, Superintendent, Kamla Nehru Nepal is a neutral country may be ideal - the association will function as an Zoo, Ahmedabad, India for hosting the association. Director, unregistered body until all above Mr. R. K. Shreshta, Director Central Zoo suggested that KMTNC/ questions could be answered Central Zoo, Nepal Central Zoo should host the - by-laws would be drafted by 2-3 people association within its structure since it and circulated by the Convenor Mr. Ang Phuri Shreshta, Education Officer Central Zoo, Nepal hosted the meetings. It was pointed out - it should be open to more than Director that the Association could not be a strong level as experience of others Dr. B. K. Jha, Veterinary Officer entity unless it was registered with its demonstrated such restrictions were not Central Zoo, Nepal own constitution and by-laws. productive of growth and creativity Dr. Madhav Ghimere, Veterinary Officer - Zoo Outreach Organisation's offer to It was discussed to institutionalize the Central Zoo, Nepal provide office, communications and association with in the existing Mrs. Geetha Shreshta, FOZ Coordinator administrative support until the framework of SAARC which is based in Central Zoo, Nepal association is established and self- Nepal. This would involve the sustaining was grateful accepted. Facilitators Association being registered but also - the organising committee will consist of Ms. Sally Walker, Founder/Secretary being declared a "technical committee" Zoo Outreach Organsation, CBSG, S. Asia, one representative from every country of SAARC which would carry many, with access to E-mail Mr. Sanjay Molur, Sr. Programme Officer many benefits. Since discussants had - the association requires a strong Zoo Outreach Organisation/CBSG, S.Asia no clear knowledge of the working of philosophy and objectives to convince SAARC it was decided to conduct a fact Dr. B. A. Daniel, Scientist officials of its good intentions Zoo Outreach Organisation/CBSG, S. Asia finding exercise and return to the subject. If this would be possible it Organising committee : Guests/Observers was felt that SAARC will be able to Convenor Mr. Anslem de Silva, Founder/Convenor smoothen relationships. It would also Director, Central Zoo, Nepal Amphibian & Research Organisation of provide considerable financial support Sri Lanka / CBSG, Sri Lanka Country representatives to the association as one of its Central Zoo, Nepal Mr. Jayantha Jayewarden, Managing Trustee, technical committees. Biodiversity and Elephant Conservation Trust, Lahore Zoo, Pakistan Sri Lanka Nepal Zoo proposed to invite all SAARC National Zool. Gardens, Sri Lanka zoos to join the association as a result Dakha Zoo, Bangladesh Ahmedabad Zoo, India 3 South Asian Zoo Association for Regional Cooperation Report of the first meeting of ad hoc committee to create an official structure for the association of South Asian zoos

The Convenor and organising committee of the association met South Asian Zoo Association-- SAZA for the first time on 12 August 2000 in Directors’ office at Felt to be too similar to SEAZA Central Zoo. South Asian Zoological Gardens Association-- SAZGA Liked very much but acronym was felt to be somewhat Present were awkward and weak (sahz - gah) R. K. Shreshta, Central Zoo, Kathmandu, Nepal, Convenor and Nepal representative Association of South Asian Zoos -- ASAZ Arshad H. Toosey, Director, Lahore Zoo, Lahore, Pakistan, Pakistan Liked but acronym was not as strong as final choice (ah-saz) representative R. K. Sahu, Director, Kamala Nehru Zoo, Ahmedabad, India, Indian Association of South Asian Zoological Gardens -- ASAZG representative Liked but acronym awkward (pron "Ah sah zugh") M. Shahidullah, Dy. Curator, Dakha Zoological Gardens, Dakha, Bangladesh, Bangladesh representative South Asian Association of Zoological Gardens -- SAAZG S. Gunasena, Director, National Zoological Gardens, Colombo, Sri Liked but acronym awkward (pron Saaah-Zuh-ga or saaz gah) Lanka, Sri Lankan Representative South Asian Association of Zoological Gardens and Aquaria Sally Walker, Co-member/Advisor later approved as “Patron” SAAZGA -- Not accepted because group did not want to include aquaria seperately at this time. (Saah Zuh Ga) R. K. Shreshta welcomed the group and ascertained representation from every country sending around a sign up Official steps for the association sheet. Shreshta proposed to the group that Sally Walker should Various tasks in regularising and registering the association be named Patron of the association in perpetuity due to her were discussed. R. K. Shreshta will consult materials from efforts to bring the countries together for the sake of forming an other zoo associations and, with the help of some person with association. This was agreed. legal skills and knowledge of zoo scenario and South Asian situation, draft a first attempt at a constitution and by-laws. Naming of Association — S.A.Z.A.R.C. He suggested that he would submit this initially to Walker for After extended discussion and offerings of alternatives, the suggestions and then send it to all the members for sugges- consensus of the first meeting of ad hoc Committee for for- tions. It can be officially proposed at the next meeting and malising the association of South Asian zoos was to propose discussed with the other zoo personnel before approval. the name of the "South Asian Zoo Association for Regional Shreshta and Walker cautioned against making anything Cooperation or SAZARC (pron. “sahz ark”) permanent very fast, such as registration, constitution, pointing The name was decided on the basis of several factors, e.g. out the many complexities to be considered in having something - inclusion of key words “South Asia”, “Association” that would serve the needs of all the countries in the region as - the strength and sound of the acronym “SAZARC” - pron well as satisfying the norms and ethics of the international zoo “sahz ark” community. It was pointed out that R. K. Shreshta would be - uniqueness of acronym when compared to similar letter visiting USA soon where he could discuss many aspects of the configurations (e.g. SEAZA, etc.) running of an association with experienced people. Likewise, he - the alliteration with “ark”, remindive of zoo ark may get a chance to attend other meetings coming up where he - easy to pronounce can discuss with persons running associations around the - the inclusion of the words “regional cooperation” are unique world. Other members of the committee also can study the in the configuration of zoo associations of the world and also materials provided to them for this purpose and suggest ideas. desirable due to their similarity to the official South Asian Next annual meeting Association for Regional Cooperation which covers all aspects Mr. S. Gunasena offered to host the next meeting of the of cooperation in the S. Asian region. association which will be held, in keeping with the recent - the inclusion of the word “cooperation” in the name itself is meeting and international practice, just before the annual CBSG very desirable since cooperation between zoos is one of the meeting. It was agreed that the meetings could be longer. major objectives of an association. Some dates during the first two weeks of September will be fixed by Gurusena after consulting with hotels and airlines to Other suggestions for a name, which were rejected at this time obtain lowest rates. Gunasena said he could manage local for various reasons were : hospitality with resources collected in Sri Lanka but not flights. South Asian Zoo Directors Association SAZDA However he will work with Air Lanka to get a special concession Rejected as the committee did not want association restricted for the workshop. Walker agreed to coordinate fund-raising for to directors, even in name due to bad experience of other flights for the Bangladesh and Pakistan participants. Gunasena associations with such restrictions, ( Pron. "sah zuh dah") and Walker will begin working on the meeting immediately. Zoological Gardens Association of South Asia -- ZGASA Communication Liked very much due to its dignity but rejected due to the Members of this committee will stay in touch on email which will cumbersomeness of the acronym (pron. "zuh-gah-sah") be copied to all.

4 South Asian Zoo Association for Regional Cooperation Zoos and Breeding Centres of South Asia (about 279)

Country Zoo names where feasible Governing Authority Total

India About 250 zoos of all sizes Central Zoo Authority, state and 250 + municipal governments, private authorities

Pakistan Bawalpur Zoo* Government 40+/- Hyderabad Zoo* Government Lahore Zoo* Government Karachi Zoo* Government Karachi Safari Park* Government * Government Clifton Aquarium* Government Jallore Park* Government Lohibheer Wildlife Park* Government 22 breeding centres Government Jungle Kingdom Private Zoo, Karachi Private 3 - 6 Private Zoos Province Private Murrey Wildlife Park Private

Sri Lanka Dehiwala Zoo National Zoological Gardens Authority 3 Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage National Zoological Gardens Authority Pinnewala Zoo (new - coming up) National Zoological Gardens Authority

Bangladesh Dakha Zoo Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Department 7 of Livestock Service. Government of Bangladesh Rangpur Zoo Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Department of Livestock Service. Government of Bangladesh Chittagong Zoo; Local authority Rajshahi Zoo Local authority Comilla Zoo Local authority Khulna Zoo Army owned

Nepal Central Zoo (the national zoo) King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation 6 Nepal Ganj (small park with a few animals ) City Hetaunda (small park with a few animals) City Elephant Breeding Centre Dept. of National Parks and WL Conservation Breeding Centre Dept. of National Parks and WL Conservation Musk Deer farm Dept. of National Parks and WL Conservation

5 South Asian Zoo Association for Regional Cooperation SAZARC Photo Album -- First SA Zoo meeting

Arshad Toosey, Lahore Zoo

The whole group meeting -- discussion of South Asian Zoo problems and prospects

M. Hussain, , Islamabad

Dr. S. Islam, Dakha Zoo

All comments were recorded

Dr. R. K. Sahu, India

All participants gave a Report on their country and their zoos

Uzma Khan, Lahore Zoo Senarath Gunasena, Colombo Zoo Participants contributed information about their animals 6 South Asian Zoo Association for Regional Cooperation