Social Samvad / Jamshedpur : Tata Steel Zoological Park (TSZP), Jamshedpur, celebrated International Vulture Awareness Day with enthusiastic participation from B.Sc. students of Jamshedpur Women’s University, Jamshedpur, along with Zoo staff members. The programme was organized to raise awareness about the ecological significance of vultures and the urgent need for their conservation.
As part of the celebrations, an awareness rally covering approximately 2 kilometres was organized within and around the Zoo premises. The rally was flagged off near the Research and Education Centre by Dr. Naim Akhtar, Director, TSZP; Dr. M. Palit; Dr. S. K. Mahato, Curator; and Dr. Seema Rani, Biologist-cum-Education Officer, TSZP. Students and Zoo staff participated enthusiastically, carrying messages emphasizing the vital role of vultures as nature’s scavengers and their contribution to maintaining ecological balance.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Naim Akhtar highlighted the importance of International Vulture Awareness Day and encouraged everyone to contribute towards vulture conservation in whatever capacity they could. He emphasized that protecting vultures is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and preventing the spread of diseases through efficient carcass disposal. Dr. M. Palit spoke about the drastic decline in vulture populations in India and several other countries, primarily due to the use of the veterinary drug diclofenac, which has been identified as a major threat to these critically important birds.
The programme also marked the successful completion of a two-month internship programme undertaken by the participating students of Jamshedpur Women’s University. During the valedictory session, the students were encouraged to pursue rewarding careers in wildlife, nature, and environmental conservation. The speakers noted that the internship had provided the students with valuable practical exposure and broadened their understanding of wildlife conservation and zoo management.
Several students expressed their interest in pursuing careers in the field of biodiversity conservation and environmental management. They also conveyed their gratitude to the Zoo management for providing them with an enriching learning opportunity and hands-on experience during their internship period.
Certificates were awarded to the interns in recognition of their successful completion of the programme. The certificates were presented by Dr. Naim Akhtar, Director, TSZP, and Dr. S. K. Mahato, Curator, TSZP.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Seema Rani, Biologist-cum-Education Officer, Tata Steel Zoological Park. The programme was also attended by Bindublaya Das and several Zoo staff members, including Pratap, Dilip, Lalan, and others.
The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening public awareness about vulture conservation and encouraging young people to actively participate in wildlife conservation and environmental education initiatives.
