Provided that the animals, so separated, shall be housed in accordance with standards specified by the Central Zoo Authority in this regard.
(2)Every zoo shall endeavour to provide all the animals in its collection timely supply of quality food of such a composition and in such quantities that nutritional and behavioural requirement of each animal are fully met and adequate safeguards shall be taken to ensure that no animal remains under-nourished on account of dominant animals not permitting other animals getting their share of the feed and the zoo operator shall ensure round the clock supply of potable water to all the animals in the zoo.
(3)The timing of distribution of food, placement of food and way of distribution of food to the animals shall be regulated in such a manner that the animals get maximum opportunity to express natural instincts and skills and behaviour related to feeding.
(4)As a safeguard against feral animals, free ranging wild animals and scavengers sharing the feed of the zoo animals, each animal shall be provided feed in the feeding cells/ kraals specially earmarked for the purpose and such feeding cells and kraals shall be so designed that these can also serve as indoor enclosures for the animals during extreme weather conditions as well as for secure stay during the nights:Provided that the dimensions and designs of the feeding cells and kraal shall be as per the standards specified by the Central Zoo Authority.
(5)Every zoo operators shall ensure that the left over feed, excreta of animals and all other wastes are removed promptly from the feeding cells and kraals and the feeding cells and kraals are washed and disinfected as per the advice of the authorized veterinary officers and the solid and the liquid waste generated during the process shall be disposed off in such manner that has no adverse impact on the hygiene and cleanliness of the zoo and the landscape surrounding the zoo.
(6)The curatorial and the veterinary staff shall keep a close watch on the general behaviour and health parameters of the zoo animals. The animals shall be handled only by the staff having experience and training in handling the individual animals.
(7)Any animal that shows any sign of dullness, loss of appetite, injury or abnormal behaviour shall be thoroughly assessed and provided medical attention promptly as per the standards specified by the Central Zoo Authority in this regard from time to time and the direction of the Zoo administration.
(8)Every zoo animals shall be screened for parasitic loads as per written schedule prepared by the zoo in consultation with the veterinary officer and prophylactic medicines administered as per clinical requirements and vaccination of animals against infectious diseases shall also be done, as per the schedule prescribed by the Veterinary Officer from time to time.
(9)All staff involved with upkeep and healthcare of zoo animals shall be screened against zoonotic diseases once every year and those found positive to any communicable disease shall be provided appropriate treatment till they get cured and freed of the infection and during the period of such treatment, the infected employees shall be kept away from the responsibility of upkeep and healthcare of the animals.
(10)Every zoo shall maintain detailed records of observations of biological and social behaviour and health status of the animals including feed intake, medication and treatment provided in the keeper's diary, daily reports, animal history cards and treatment cards, as per standards specified by the Central Zoo Authority.