American zoo begin training Indian vets in modern animal care trends

New Delhi: In an attempt to train zoo vets in India with modern diagnosis and treatment techniques of wild animals in captivity, the Union Environment Ministry initiated a training programme here on Friday in collaboration with Smithsonian National Zoological Park (SNZP), Washington D.C.

The nine day training programme "Capacity Building Of Indian Zoo Veterinarians On Animal Health Management In Captivity", is being held here at the Delhi Zoo.

Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, who had noticed the difficulties faced by the coo veterinarians in the diagnosis of diseases and treatment of the wild animals kept in captivity, called for more such workshops.

"The National Zoological Park, New Delhi must strive to become the best Zoological Park in the world," he said.

Under the programme, Indian veterinarians will be exposed to the technique and procedures being followed in the US.

Assuring that the ministry will support the propsals from zoos that come up with ideas to develop 'model zoos', the minister noted that interaction of the participants with the experts from the Smithsonian National Zoological Park will certainly help Indian zoos in adoption of modern trends in animal care.

The veterinarians are responsible for the diagnosis of diseases of the wild animals kept in captivity, their treatment, nutrition and diet and for taking measures for preventive healthcare.