Jharkhand to get new zoos at Giridih, Dumka, Tiger Safari near Palamu: CCF Wildlife SR Natesha

Capacity building workshop for Zoo Keepers of Eastern India begins in Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur, August 25: A four-day Capacity Building Workshop for Zoo Keepers of Eastern India, sponsored by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), Government of India, was inaugurated today at the Centre for Excellence, Jamshedpur.

The programme was formally inaugurated by S. R. Natesha, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Government of Jharkhand, in the presence of Saba Alam Ansari, IFS, Conservator of Forests & Divisional Forest Officer Jamshedpur, and Captain Amitabh, Honorary Secretary, Tata Steel Zoological Society (TSZS).

In his welcome address, Captain Amitabh highlighted the importance of the workshop for enhancing the skills and knowledge of zoo keepers, while also expressing gratitude to the Central Zoo Authority for sponsoring the initiative and providing Tata Steel Zoological Park the opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation and education.

Addressing the gathering, S. R. Natesha welcomed the participants and commended the CZA for creating such a platform for capacity building of zoo keepers in the region. He also shared various initiatives being undertaken by the Forest Department of Jharkhand, including the proposal for two new zoos at Giridih and Dumka, and a Tiger Safari near Palamu Tiger Reserve. He further recalled the recent successful rescue and translocation of a tiger from a residential area to Palamu Tiger Reserve, underlining the department’s growing expertise and commitment in wildlife management.

The four-day workshop will cover diverse and practical topics such as animal housing and upkeep, veterinary care, record keeping, animal immunization, snake biology and behavior, mock drills, and disaster management etc. A field visit to Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary has also been planned for the participants.

This programme has brought together 34 participants representing 23 zoos from across Eastern India, including Tata Steel Zoological Park, making it a significant collaborative platform for learning, sharing experiences, and strengthening zoo management practices in the region.