World Of Wildlife To The World Of Wealth

Zoos occupy a captivating juncture where the realms of wildlife and economics converge, offering a unique blend of the natural world and financial acumen. Beyond their traditional roles as educational institutions and wildlife sanctuaries, zoos wield a surprisingly influential impact on local economies leaving indelible marks on the financial landscapes of a country’s economy.

ROLE OF ZOOS IN THE ECONOMY

Zoos generate revenue through ticket sales, food and beverage sales, and gift shop purchases. Additionally, zoos often attract tourists from near and far, which boosts the local economy by increasing hotel bookings, restaurant visits, and other tourism-related activities. This surge in tourism not only contributes to the regional economic vitality but also leads to the creation of job opportunities within the local community. With the increasing focus on wildlife conservation and education, more people are being hired to work in various roles within zoos. These include animal care, conservation research, visitor services and administration. The exact numbers vary depending on the size and popularity of each zoo. Therefore, zoos offer both financial and economic advantages to their surrounding areas. In addition to these advantages, zoos provide several other benefits, such as:

1. Education and Research:

   – Zoos play a crucial role in education and conservation efforts. They offer educational programs for schools and the general public, increasing awareness about wildlife and conservation.

   – Many zoos are involved in research and conservation projects, which lead to partnerships with academic institutions and additional funding sources.

2. Conservation Initiatives:

   – Zoos often participate in breeding and conservation programs for endangered species. This work can help protect and restore wildlife populations, benefiting the environment and the economy.

   – Zoos also attract funding and donations from individuals, corporations, and government grants for conservation efforts.

NAVIGATING THE FINANCIAL JUNGLE 

Zoos incur a series of operating expenses crucial for ensuring the well-being of the animals, maintaining facilities, providing educational experiences, and supporting conservation efforts. 

 Data of Arignar Anna Zoological Park located in Chennai, presents in its Annual Report (2021-2022), the expenditure to be recorded as Rs.743.88 Lakhs against a whopping 929.22 Lakhs of revenue generated in that FY. The breakdown of these expenses is as follows 

                           

Source: Annual Report of Arignar Anna Zoological Park (2021-2022)

As for the revenue generated by the Zoo, the division is given below. 

Source: Annual Report of Arignar Anna Zoological Park (2021-2022)

The footfall of the zoo stood at 706604 visitors. 

Source: Annual Report of Arignar Anna Zoological Park (2021-2022)

Another report of Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneshwar reveals the following statistics : Human Resources employed is nearly 178 persons, where 8 persons work in the Director’s Office 169 in the Deputy Director’s Office and 1 person works in the executive post in the State Botanical Garden against a sanctioned strength of 23 persons. 

Source: Annual Report of Nandankanan Zoological Park (2021-2022)

The visitor flow in 2021-2022 was 14,62,643 people, where the maximum visitors were common visitors above 12 years of age, followed by visitors in the age group of 3-12 years. The online booking for adults took the maximum stake. Footfall of foreign visitors was around 272 people. While the entry fees generated maximum revenue, sale of scrap materials, toy train and safari and boating facilities also contributed to a great extent.  

“WILD PARTNERSHIPS: HOW ZOOS DRIVE ECONOMIC MOMENTUM IN INDIA”

In India, the Central Zoo Authority, in collaboration with the Central and State Governments, oversees the functioning of 145 recognized zoos. These establishments receive crucial government assistance and funding, primarily from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Responsible for organising and supporting zoo operations and development, this ministry collaborates closely with state governments to ensure the welfare and conservation of wildlife nationwide. Notably, in the union budget, the government initiated Project Tiger and Project Elephant with allocations of Rs 250 crore and Rs 35 crore, respectively. However, allocation for the Central Zoo Authority saw a reduction from Rs 11 crore to 10 crore. To address budget constraints and to enhance infrastructure, the government is exploring the development of zoos through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, fostering better facilities for animal care and increased visitor footfalls.

In recent years, Indian zoos have experienced a steady rise in average annual footfall, but the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic marked a visible decline. However, post-2021, there has been a notable resurgence, for instance, the Mysore Zoo has almost reached pre-pandemic visitor numbers. By the end of September this year, 2.9 million people had visited the zoos, resulting in an increase in their revenue. The Mysore Zoo attracted nearly 36,500 visitors on Vijayadashami this year, which is the highest since 2018, earning revenue of ₹35,92,160 as reported in an article in The Hindu. Statistics show that wildlife tourism in India has been growing annually at 15 percent of which 70 percent visitors are Indians. In October 2020, the Ministry of Tourism launched an initiative called SAATHI (System for Assessment, Awareness & Training for Hospitality Industry) in partnership with QCI (the Quality Council of India) that seeks to effectively implement COVID-19 norms/SOPs for safely operating hotels, restaurants, lodges and other units. The Ministry also launched Dekho Apna Desh – a webinar series educating viewers on varied destinations and showcasing the depth and expanse of Indian heritage and culture. 

Zoos also contribute to building international relations through various activities, including animal trade and exchange programs. An excellent example of this is India’s purchase of seven cheetahs from Namibia in the year 2023. For this project, the estimated expenditure to be incurred is Rs 75 crore. Such transactions not only facilitate the conservation of endangered species but also foster diplomatic ties between nations. By engaging in animal trade and cooperation, countries establish mutual trust and goodwill, demonstrating a commitment to wildlife preservation on a global scale. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: CULMINATION OR REFLECTION

In summary, zoos play a drastic role in a country’s economy by contributing to tourism, generating revenue, creating jobs and helps in building international relations. Their economic impact extends to local businesses and communities, making zoos valuable assets that stimulate economic growth and provide a boost to the overall national economy.

REFERENCES

• The Bastian

• https://www.thehindu.com

• Times of India

• Hindustan Times