Tiger Day at Patna Zoo: Minister Inaugurates Facilities and Highlights Conservation Efforts

Aditya Raj & Tuheena Prasad

Patna: The Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park in Patna hosted a vibrant celebration for International Tiger Day 2024. The event was graced by Dr. Prem Kumar, Bihar’s Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, who served as the Chief Guest.

The day’s festivities began with a warm reception at Gate No. 2, where school children and zoo ambassadors greeted the Minister with tiger face paintings. The Minister inaugurated the newly established Veterinary Monitoring Room, designed to enhance veterinary care for the zoo’s animals.

A highlight of the event was a visit to the Tiger Enclosure, where Dr. Prem Kumar received a ceremonial cheque from M/s Freedom Plast Pvt. Ltd., marking their adoption of the tiger “Vikram” under the zoo’s Tiger Feast and Adoption Scheme. The Minister also participated in a symbolic “tiger selfie” session with attendees, emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation.

In the 3D theatre premises, a street play was performed, highlighting issues related to animal welfare and conservation. During the event, Dr. Prem Kumar released a “Tiger Brochure” and a “Tiger Caricature,” created by renowned cartoonist Pawan, aimed at raising awareness about tiger conservation.

Recognition was given to zoo employees excelling in tiger care, and winners of various competitions held in honor of International Tiger Day were awarded. These included a painting competition, with first place going to Ruhan Ritesh from Sanskar International School, and a quiz competition, with Pooja Kumari and her team securing the top spot.

Certificates were also awarded to students who made notable contributions to the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” tree planting campaign and the “Swachhta Pakhwada” cleanliness drive.

The event was attended by key officials, including Prabhat Kumar Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Chief Wildlife Warden, Bihar; Abhay Kumar, Director of Ecology and Environment, Patna; Satyajit Kumar, Director of Patna Zoo; and other senior officials and staff.