The government says the mortality rate of animals in the zoos is a cause of concern but not alarming. Replying to supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, environment minister Jairam Ramesh said their mortality rate is between six to seven percent which is low compared to international ratio. He said it is not possible to make new zoos but the proposal to relocate some of them housed in congested areas is under active consideration of his ministry. He informed the House that during the last two years nearly 3,500 animals have reportedly died in different zoos of the country. Mr Ramesh made it clear that central zoo authority only oversees the implementation of the rules and regulations and accordingly grants or cancels their recognition, but state governments are responsible for their upkeep and administration. Also, the government on Monday said that central zoo authority has taken up breeding programme of 14 critically endangered species in the country. Replying to supplementaries, enivronment and forest minister Jairam Ramesh said restructuring of the central zoo authority is high on the agenda of the government. He said steps are being taken to set up five regional offices of zoo authority to strengthen 198 zoos in the country.