"Zoo" means an establishment, whether stationary or mobile, where captive animals are ketp for exhibition to the public and includes a circus and rescue centers but does not include an establishment of a licensed dealer in captive animals.

Most of us would have visited zoos at one point of time or another, usually during our childhood - with parents or as part of our school programmes. Many people think of a zoo as a place for relaxation, entertainment, a place to have a fun.
Although the initial purpose of zoos was entertainment, over the decades, zoos have got transformed into centres for wildlife conservation and environmental education.

Zoos evoke strong reactions. People appreciate the opportunity to see animals they would never otherwise get a chance to see. This may be the closest to wildlife that many urban people may get, and so zoos provide a unique opportunity to create an interest and love for animals. While many people enjoy visiting zoos, others strongly feel that it is wrong to keep animals in captivity. It is true that some animals seem unable to settle down and live happily in a zoo. On the other hand, it must be remembered that many of these animals would not have survived without zoos. Apart from saving individual animals, zoos have a role to play in species conservation too. Many animal species are greatly reduced in numbers because of animal species from becoming extinct, through captive breeding.

The learning's and the experiences gained while interacting with live animals - seeing, hearing or touching them - can not be replaced by other modes of education. Live animals create curiosity and interest. Zoos provide an opportunity to open up a whole new world, and this could be used in sensitising visitors regarding the value and need for conservation of wildlife.