Hand-Reared Mandrill ‘Ranga’s’ first birthday celebrated at Jamshedpur’s Tata Zoo

Jamshedpur, August 3: On the occasion of Friendship Day, a special event was organized at Tata Steel Zoological Park, Jamshedpur, to celebrate the first birthday of “Ranga,” a hand-reared mandrill infant. The celebration was filled with joy, emotion, and educational value, aiming to foster awareness, sensitivity, and a sense of coexistence among young participants regarding wildlife conservation.

Approximately 100 students from various schools and colleges of the city participated in the event. The program began at 10:00 AM in the CTA zone with a welcome address, where zoo officials elaborated on the background and objective of the celebration.

In a symbolic gesture, students tied friendship bands to trees, promoting a message of harmony and emotional bonding with nature and biodiversity. This was followed by a presentation session inside the CTA building, highlighting Ranga’s life journey through an impactful PowerPoint presentation.

The session, conducted by Zoo Biologist, Nisha Majhi and Lab Technician Archit Arnav, provided detailed insights into Ranga’s birth, rejection by his mother, subsequent care by the zoo team, behavioral development, and his gradual social integration.

Deputy Director, Dr. Manik Palit offered a scientific perspective on Ranga’s upbringing, touching upon the biological traits of the mandrill species, the challenges faced during his hand-rearing, and the dedicated efforts of the zoo team.

Mr. and Mrs. Kundu, who played a pivotal role in nurturing Ranga like their own child, were felicitated by the Zoo Secretary, Captain Amitabh, in recognition of their invaluable contribution. Commendation certificates were also awarded to two dedicated staff members, Mrs. Nampsi and Mr. Linsa, for their exceptional service.

The celebration concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony in honor of Ranga’s birthday, enthusiastically joined by all students, guests, and staff members. The event wrapped up with a vote of thanks and a community lunch.

The event was graced by Captain Amitabh (Zoo Secretary), Mr. Ajay Kumar (Head of HR), Dr. Palit, Dr. Naim Akhtar (Deputy Director), Mr. Prashant Kumar (Company Secretary), Mr. and Mrs. Kundu, and the entire team of officers, staff, and scientific personnel from the zoo.

This celebration reflects the core philosophy of Tata Steel Zoological Park—where science, service, and sensitivity come together to shape a humane approach to wildlife conservation. Ranga’s journey stands as a living testimony that love, discipline, and scientific methods can truly make the impossible possible.