Jamshedpur, July 29: Tata Steel Zoological Park (TSZP) today observed International Tiger Day with active participation from intermediate and under-graduate students of Zoology and Botany faculty from the Graduate School College for Women.
Total around 60 students were accompanied by Dr. Pranati Prabha Ekka, Head of the Department of Zoology, and Dr. Namrata Kumari, Assistant Professor.
The event began with a classroom session featuring a lecture by Dr. Seema Rani, Biologist and Education Officer at Tata Zoo. Her talk, titled “Save the Tiger, Save Yourself,” aimed to raise awareness and support for tiger conservation issues.
Following the lecture, the students visited the tiger enclosure where a “Keeper Talk” was presented by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mahato, Curator of Tata Zoo, along with team members Mr. T. Ram, Mr. Binod Sharma, Mr. Vishal, Mr. Biswajeet, and Mr. Dubraj. During the session, they discussed various conservation parameters for tigers as well as ex-situ management practices. The session was interactive, with participants actively engaging in questions and answers with the Curator.
A plantation of tree saplings took place. Participants learned about the importance of tree planting, the techniques involved, and its significance in our lives. They were also educated on the relationship between plants and animals, reinforcing the concept that “where tigers thrive, it is a sign that the ecosystem is healthy.”
Lastly, a “Touch and Learn” program and a museum visit were organized. Participants were taught how to identify and differentiate between the pugmarks of various carnivores, particularly tigers in the wild. Dr. Seema Rani also explained different research and survey methods in field biology. Several museum specimens were showcased ensuring the celebration of International Tiger Day was a resounding success.
TSZP has been dedicated to raising awareness about wildlife and nature conservation since its establishment.
