Nandankanan marks International Tiger Day with conservation drive, public awareness campaigns

Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park celebrated International Tiger Day 2026 with a host of awareness, educational and conservation-focused activities aimed at promoting tiger conservation and encouraging greater public participation in wildlife protection.

Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, who attended the programme as the chief guest, said International Tiger Day serves as an important platform to strengthen public awareness about tiger conservation and the need to protect the species and its habitat.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister said Nandankanan has been playing a vital role in promoting harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife through education, conservation initiatives and community engagement. He stressed that collective efforts are essential for ensuring the long-term survival of tigers.

As part of the celebrations, the zoo launched a Signature Campaign and Tiger Conservation Pledge, encouraging visitors to reaffirm their commitment to protecting India’s national animal and its habitat. An innovative “1Q–1A–1P” (One Question–One Answer–One Prize) mobile awareness campaign was also flagged off to engage visitors through interactive quizzes on tiger conservation.

Nandankanan also honoured its tiger keepers for their dedicated contribution to the care, management and conservation of tigers in captivity. Winners of the International Tiger Day Sit and Draw Competition were felicitated during the programme.

The day-long celebrations featured a series of interactive activities, including a Keeper’s Talk on tiger care and conservation, storytelling sessions for children, an Expert Talk on tiger conservation and the Mini Zoo Keeper Programme, which provided students with hands-on learning experiences on tiger biology, behaviour and conservation.

Zoo volunteers also staged a Nukkad Natak to spread awareness on tiger conservation, while specially designed tiger-themed selfie points encouraged visitors to share conservation messages through social media.

Among those present were Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha, Nandankanan Zoological Park Director Sanath Kumar, Deputy Director Pradeep Mirase, along with students, wildlife enthusiasts, conservation professionals and visitors.

The celebrations concluded with a renewed call for collective action to protect tigers and preserve their natural habitats, highlighting the ecological significance of the species and the shared responsibility of ensuring its survival for future generations.