Jamshedpur: The week-long Wildlife Week Celebration 2025 concluded on a high note at the Tata Steel Zoological Park, Jamshedpur, with an On-the-Spot Painting Competition that brought together hundreds of school children. The celebrations, jointly organized by the Jamshedpur Forest Division and Tata Steel Zoological Society, witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 6,500 students and local citizens, reflecting a growing public interest in wildlife awareness and conservation.
Celebrations Kickstarted with “Walk for Gajraj” Walkathon
The Wildlife Week began on October 3rd with a symbolic Walkathon titled “Walk for Gajraj”, flagged off by Saba Alam Ansari, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Jamshedpur. The week was packed with educational and interactive activities aimed at spreading awareness about wildlife and environmental protection. Events included:
- Van Bhawan Walkathon
- Marathon (Run for Gajraj)
- On-the-Spot Essay Writing Competition
- Debate Competitions
- Keeper Talk at Tata Zoo
- On-the-Spot Painting Competition
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Dignitaries Laud Tata Zoo’s Role in Wildlife Education
The Valedictory Ceremony was graced by Paritosh Upadhyay, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Jharkhand, as Chief Guest, and S. R. Natesha, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), as Guest of Honour.
In his address, CCF (Wildlife) emphasized the importance of community engagement in conservation efforts. He praised the collaboration between the forest department and Tata Steel Zoological Park for setting a strong example in public outreach.
PCCF Paritosh Upadhyay announced plans to establish two new zoos and a tiger safari in Jharkhand to further expand wildlife awareness and educational infrastructure in the state. He commended Tata Zoo for its continued commitment to environmental education and local community involvement.
Award Distribution and Acknowledgements
Winners of the various competitions held during the week were awarded certificates and prizes by the chief guests, recognizing their creativity, knowledge, and commitment to conservation themes.
Dr. Naim Akhtar, Deputy Director & Officer-in-Charge, Tata Steel Zoological Park, delivered the Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the role of the Forest Department, Tata Steel Zoological Society, school communities, and the zoo team in making the event a grand success.
Organizers and Key Contributors
Notable attendees included:
- Pranay Sinha, Vikas Kumar, and Rahul Kumar, Members of Tata Steel Zoological Society
- Saba Alam Ansari, DFO Jamshedpur, who played a key role in organizing the event
- Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mahato, Curator
- Dr. Seema Rani, Biologist-cum-Education Officer
Both Dr. Mahato and Dr. Rani were instrumental in coordinating the entire week’s events, supported ably by the enthusiastic zoo staff.
A Week to Remember for Wildlife Awareness in Jharkhand
The 2025 Wildlife Week Celebration at Tata Steel Zoological Park reaffirmed the critical role of public participation, especially among the youth, in protecting and preserving India’s rich biodiversity. With large-scale involvement, engaging activities, and government support, the event proved to be a meaningful step toward building a more aware and conservation-conscious society.
