Rajgir: Fifteen students got a closer look at the work of wildlife keepers and veterinary teams at Rajgir Zoo Safari as part of a special ‘Mini Zoo Keeper’ programme organised on World Lion Day on Monday.
The programme aimed to introduce children to wildlife conservation and encourage greater sensitivity towards nature and animals. Students were given an opportunity to observe animals and learn about their diet, behaviour, health and scientific management.
A quiz competition was first organised for students from five schools — Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Rajgir; Kasturba Gandhi Vidyalaya, Rajgir; Upkramit Madhya Vidyalaya, Nai Pokhar; Adarsh Madhya Vidyalaya, Rajgir; and Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Vidyalaya, Rajgir.
Three top-performing students from each school were selected, resulting in a group of 15 Mini Zoo Keepers who took part in a special educational tour of the safari.
From Herbivore Enclosure To Aviary
The students began their tour at the herbivore enclosure, where they learned about the animals’ daily diet, nutrition, hygiene and management.
Dr Sanjit Kumar, veterinary officer, explained the importance of balanced nutrition and appropriate management in maintaining the health of captive wildlife.
The students then visited the aviary, where they learned about the behaviour, diet, habitat and healthcare requirements of different bird species.
The visit also allowed them to observe the birds more closely and understand the importance of maintaining a natural and suitable environment for wildlife.
Students Visit Wildlife Hospital
The wildlife hospital provided one of the key learning experiences of the programme.
Students were introduced to the story of Lakshmi, a cub raised at Rajgir Zoo Safari through hand-rearing. They learned about the role of specialised care, veterinary expertise and scientific treatment in helping wildlife survive critical situations.
The students also visited the hospital’s laboratory and examined modern medical equipment used for wildlife health checks, treatment and medical management.
‘Children Can Become Ambassadors For Conservation’
Rajgir Zoo Safari director Ram Sundar M said awareness was an important foundation for wildlife conservation and that children could play a significant role in building that awareness.
He said the Mini Zoo Keeper programme was intended to bring students closer to wildlife while developing sensitivity towards animals and a sense of responsibility for their protection.
According to Ram Sundar, the safari is not only a wildlife conservation facility but also a platform for wildlife education and public awareness.
He said the aim was to help young people understand nature, respect wildlife and recognise their role in conservation, adding that the Mini Zoo Keepers of today could become ambassadors for wildlife conservation in the future.
At the end of the programme, all 15 students received certificates of appreciation.
Animal keepers working in the Lion Retiring Room were also felicitated for their continued care and work in managing the wildlife.
Dr Sanjit Kumar, Ajay Kumar, assistant conservator of forests, range forest officers Suraj Kumar and Shivam Sinha, along with foresters and forest guards, attended the programme.
