Section 38H(1) in The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
(1)No zoo shall be operated without being recognised by the Authority:Provided that a zoo being operated immediately before the date of commencement of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991 may continue to operate without being recognised for a period of eighteen months from the date of such commencement and if the application seeking recognition is made within that period, the zoo may continue to be operated until the said application is finally decided or withdrawn and in case of refusal for a further period of six months from the date of such refusal.(1-A) On and after the commencement of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 a zoo shall not be established without obtaining the prior approval of the Authority.
