Rajgir: Ram Sundar M, director of Rajgir Zoo Safari, hoisted the national flag at the safari on Saturday as the institution marked India’s 80th Independence Day.
The ceremony was attended by veterinary officers, the deputy director, range officers, foresters and other frontline forest staff. The parade was commanded by Niranjan Kumar, forester.
Addressing the gathering, Ram Sundar M highlighted the safari’s development as a major eco-tourism destination in Bihar and a centre for ex-situ wildlife conservation.
Over 4 Lakh Visitors In A Year
The director said the safari welcomed 4,07,433 visitors during the last financial year, including 18,609 students from 318 schools.
The figure represented an increase of 48,831 visitors over previous averages and was the second-highest annual footfall since the safari’s inception, according to the safari.
Several initiatives have also been introduced to improve the visitor experience.
The Unified Priority Package combines guided safaris at the Zoo Safari and Nature Safari, with the aim of reducing waiting times for visitors.
The safari has also introduced ‘The Wild Call’, a 180-degree animation film, along with a new souvenir shop and upgraded food counters.
Veterinary Team’s Conservation Work Highlighted
Ram Sundar M also highlighted the work of the safari’s veterinary team.
According to the safari, the team successfully hand-reared a lion cub suffering from severe neonatal hypothermia and treated epileptic episodes in cubs.
The team also treated a male blackbuck for a bone fracture and completed microchip implantation for all newborn lions.
The director thanked frontline staff for their contribution and reiterated the safari’s commitment to combining wildlife conservation with visitor experiences.
Two Staff Members Receive Awards
As part of the Independence Day programme, Ram Sundar M presented special awards to Forester Niranjan Kumar and Forest Guard Ajay Verma for their performance and dedicated service to the institution.
The ceremony concluded with a reaffirmation of the safari’s focus on wildlife conservation, eco-tourism and improving facilities for visitors.
