Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park observed World Elephant Day 2026 with a range of conservation and awareness activities aimed at helping visitors and students understand elephant behaviour, welfare and the importance of protecting the species.
The programme was attended by Tapan Chakravarty, Sarpanch of Daruthenga, Khulana Majhi, Sarpanch of Raghunathpur, and Pradeep Mirase, Deputy Director, Nandankanan Zoological Park.
The celebrations began with a special feeding enrichment activity for the zoo’s elephants. Basanti, Hira, Asha and Lisha were provided nutritious fruit treats as part of an enrichment exercise designed to encourage natural feeding behaviour and stimulate the animals.
Mahouts who are involved in the day-to-day care and management of the elephants were also felicitated for their contribution to elephant welfare and conservation at Nandankanan.
A series of interactive activities was organised to engage visitors and students in learning about elephants. A Keepers’ Talk provided insights into elephant behaviour, care and management, while an on-the-spot quiz tested participants’ knowledge about the species.
A Signature Campaign was also organised to encourage visitors to express their support for elephant conservation.
The Zoo Library and Digital Hub hosted several activities for children, including storytelling sessions, elephant-themed performances by school students portraying Asian and African elephants, origami-making and hand painting.
A film screening focused on elephant conservation was also organised, giving participants an opportunity to learn more about the challenges facing elephants and the need for their protection.
A special Elephant Frame photo session added an interactive element to the celebrations, allowing visitors to create memorable moments around the conservation-themed event.
The programme concluded with a guided visit for school students to the elephant enclosure from the designated viewing area. The students observed the elephants and learnt about their biology, daily care and management as part of ex-situ conservation.
Through the combination of animal enrichment, educational activities and public participation, Nandankanan used World Elephant Day to highlight the importance of understanding elephant behaviour and welfare while building greater awareness about conservation among the younger generation.
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