Government of India Department of Environment & Forests and Wildlife

(Wildlife I Section)

Paryavaran Bhavan, Phase II, C.G.O. Complex,

Lodhi Road, New Delhi

28th October, 1987

To

The Forest Secretaries/Chief Wildlife

Wardens of all states/UTs.

Sir,

Instances have come when the state Governments and Directors of Zoos have requested to allow them to sell their excess animals to circus parties on the plea that they are having excess of animals like lions, leopards and tigers etc. and due to limited accommodation, there excess animals are maintained in small cells. Moreover, feeding expenditure on these animals is also stated to be a problem. The matter was discussed in the meeting of the Expert Committee of Indian Board for Wildlife on zoos held on 15-1-1986.

After careful consideration, it has been decided not to allow the sale of excess animals of Indian Zoos to Circuses. However, such zoos may exchange their excess animals with other Indian zoos authorized by Government of India or State Government/Municipal Corporation. It would also be appropriate to curtail or stop breeding along with those animals which are getting surplus.

It is requested that above instructions may kindly be complied with.