Gujarat: Junagadh's Sakkarbaug Zoo leads nation in Indian Grey Wolf conservation success
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the proactive guidance of Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat has made remarkable progress in conserving this vital species.
At the forefront of these efforts is the historic Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh, designated by the Central Zoo Authority of India as the coordinating zoo for the Indian Grey Wolf Conservation Breeding Program (CBP).
Through scientific management, state-of-the-art facilities, and focused breeding initiatives, Sakkarbaug Zoo has become a beacon of hope for the protection and revival of the Indian Grey Wolf, securing its place in India's natural legacy.
This program for wolves is one such initiative reflecting this commitment. Through focused efforts in nutrition, healthcare, behavioral enrichment, and breeding management, the program has shown remarkable success. The year-wise birth data of wolf pups is as follows: 14 pups were born in 2019-20, 7 in 2020-21, 31 in 2021-22, 33 in 2022-23, 40 in 2023-24, and 48 in 2024-25. This indicates a steady improvement in breeding success over the years, showcasing the effectiveness of comprehensive care and conservation strategies implemented at the facility.
All wolves in CBP are provided a quality diet based on their natural requirements. Additional supplements are added to their diet if required. Food items and drinking water are periodically screened at a food testing laboratory to ensure safety and quality.
Regular health checks of all wolves are conducted through the collection of various samples for early disease detection and to assess the health status of each wolf. Timely medical interventions are provided whenever necessary. Each animal enclosure is equipped with a separate night shelter and kraal to protect wolves during extreme climatic conditions.
A specific hygiene schedule for wolves is prepared and strictly followed. Vaccination of all wolves against prevalent diseases is carried out regularly. Deworming is done at three-month intervals. Post-vaccination, antibody protection levels are monitored by collecting relevant samples. Pairing of breeding animals is done using genetically diverse individuals. Newly paired animals are closely monitored. Compatibility is regularly assessed, and changes are made as needed.
Behavioral enrichment of wolves is carried out using various methods such as nutritional, olfactory, and habitat enrichments to encourage the expression of natural behaviour in captivity. All wolves are monitored round-the-clock through CCTV cameras to observe behaviours such as mating, pregnancy, pup care, and feeding, especially those not visible in the presence of humans.
After successful mating, males are separated from females to provide privacy and promote denning behaviour. Periodic hormonal monitoring of pregnant females is done by collecting samples. Medical interventions are provided as required. Additional feed supplements and focused care are ensured during pregnancy for maintaining a healthy condition. Near-natural dens and soft raw materials are provided to support den-making behaviour. For growth and health monitoring of pups, regular weighing and health assessments are conducted. Medical intervention is done as needed.
As Gujarat continues to lead in wildlife conservation, the success story of the Indian Grey Wolf serves as an inspiring model for preserving biodiversity and restoring ecological balance in India's diverse landscapes. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
25 minutes ago
- Mint
Kargil Vijay Diwas: PM Modi, President Murmu pay tributes; know history, significance and celebrations happening today
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu paid tributes to brave soldiers and said their 'dedication, passion to sacrifice for motherland will inspire generations'. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi also honoured the valiant heroes. 'Heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on Kargil Vijay Diwas. This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valor of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nation's pride. Their passion to sacrifice everything for the motherland will continue to inspire every generation. Jai Hind!' PM Modi said on X. President Murmu stated, 'On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. This day symbolizes the extraordinary valor, courage, and steadfast determination of our jawans. Their dedication and supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire its citizens. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!' Kargil Vijay Diwas, celebrated every year on July 26th, honours India's hard-earned triumph in the Kargil War of 1999. The conflict started in May 1999 when Pakistani troops, disguised as militants, covertly occupied key high-altitude positions in the Kargil region of India. To regain control, the Indian Army initiated 'Operation Vijay', a challenging mission to recapture these perilous mountain heights under harsh weather conditions. After nearly two months of intense fighting, India successfully pushed out the infiltrators and announced victory on July 26, 1999, though the victory came with the sacrifice of 527 courageous soldiers. This day serves as a solemn remembrance of their valor and sacrifice, reinforcing the nation's unity, highlighting the Indian Armed Forces' tactical skill and endurance, and inspiring patriotism as a strong emblem of India's determination to protect its borders. As India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas with profound respect and patriotic pride, marking the 26th anniversary of the 1999 victory, various ceremonies and events across the nation will honour the sacrifices made during the Kargil War. At the forefront, the main ceremony will be held at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh. Senior officials alongside the families of martyrs will lay wreaths in tribute. Simultaneous commemorations will take place nationwide, paying homage to the brave soldiers. Special events will recognise and honour the families of the those who laid down their lives. Patriotic programmes, including cultural performances and songs, are planned to inspire the spirit of nationalism. Additionally, schools and colleges will engage students through quizzes, speeches, and other educational activities to ensure the younger generation understands the significance of the war and the sacrifices involved. The Indian Army will unveil several new initiatives to deepen public engagement. These include the launch of an 'e-shradhanjali' portal, enabling people to pay their respects online, and a QR code-based audio app that narrates gripping stories from the battlefields. Furthermore, the Indus Viewpoint in Batalik will open to offer visitors a direct view of the Line of Control, providing insight into the strategic terrain.
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
AP launches ‘Green Passport' in 46,000 schools to nurture young eco-warriors
VIJAYAWADA: In a major step toward environmental stewardship, the state government has launched the 'Green Passport' initiative, aimed at nurturing young eco-warriors across more than 46,000 schools in the State. The programme, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, encourages students to plant or adopt a tree in honour of their mothers — blending emotional resonance with environmental action. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu officially launched the initiative on July 10 during the Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting (Mega PTM 2.0). Since then, the programme has gained rapid momentum, transforming school campuses into hubs of greenery and environmental learning. From Grade 4 onwards, students are actively participating by planting saplings, adopting existing trees, and tracking their growth using a personalised digital booklet titled My Journey with Plant Growth. Each tree is assigned a unique QR code containing botanical information and care guidelines. Students are required to log progress updates, which are verified by teachers to ensure ongoing engagement. The entire ecosystem is managed through the LEAP app, which enables geo-tagging and real-time monitoring of each tree. According to the Department of School Education, over 1.93 million students have already enrolled in the programme. B Srinivasa Rao, SPD of Samagra Siksha – AP and architect of the initiative, told TNIE, 'This programme is fundamentally changing our relationship with nature in schools. Our children are now guardians of these trees. The impact will be visible within a year as campuses across the state turn greener and more vibrant.'
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Kargil Vijay Diwas: President Murmu, PM Modi lead nation to pay tributes to martyrs on 26th anniversary of ‘Operation Vijay'
On the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying tributes the Kargil heroes. On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army announced the successful culmination of 'Operation Vijay', declaring victory after a nearly three-month-long battle on the icy heights of Kargil in Ladakh. The day is observed as the Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the war. President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday (July 26, 2025) said the Kargil Vijay Diwas symbolises the extraordinary valour and steadfast determination of the country's jawans, and paid tributes to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1999 conflict. Their dedication and supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire its citizens, she asserted. 'On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. This day symbolises the extraordinary valour, courage, and steadfast determination of our jawans. Their dedication and supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire its citizens. 'Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!' President Murmu said in a post in Hindi on X. Reminder of unparalleled courage of our soldiers: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, which marks the success of Indian armed forces in ousting Pakistani intruders from the mountains in Kargil. The Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on July 26 every year to mark India's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 war. Mr. Modi said this occasion reminds the country of unparalleled courage and valour of its soldiers who sacrificed their lives for defending the country's pride. Their spirit to sacrifice themselves for the motherland will inspire every generation, he said. Pakistani forces had stealthily occupied strategic positions in the mountains in Kargil, aiming to sever the transport link between Kashmir and Ladakh. However, India launched 'Operation Vijay' to evict them and achieved success. Heartfelt tributes to our bravehearts, says Rajnath Sigh Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in his X post said 'On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay heartfelt tributes to our bravehearts who displayed extraordinary courage, grit and determination in defending our nation's honour in the toughest of terrains. Their supreme sacrifice during Kargil war is a timeless reminder of the unwavering resolve of our Armed Forces. India shall remain forever indebted to their service.' On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay heartfelt tributes to our bravehearts who displayed extraordinary courage, grit and determination in defending our nation's honour in the toughest of terrains. Their supreme sacrifice during Kargil war is a timeless reminder of the unwavering resolve… — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 26, 2025 Mallikarjun Kharge pays tribute to soldiers on Vijay Diwas Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice on the occasion of the Kargil Vijay Diwas. In a post on social media X, the party President wrote that they valiantly defended the motherland in the Kargil War. 'On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we extend our heartfelt greetings to the brave soldiers of our Armed Forces, ex-servicemen, their families and all fellow Indians. We bow in reverence and salute the supreme sacrifice of our martyrs who valiantly defended our motherland in the Kargil War. On #KargilVijayDiwas, we extend our heartfelt greetings to the brave soldiers of our Armed Forces, ex-servicemen, their families and all fellow Indians. We bow in reverence and salute the supreme sacrifice of our martyrs who valiantly defended our motherland in the Kargil War.… — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 26, 2025 'Their unflinching courage and valour will forever inspire generations. Jai Hind,' the post read. Eternal saga of valour, sacrifice and national service of India's brave sons: CM Dhami Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday offered salutations on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister wrote that the occasion was not just a day to celebrate victory in war, but an 'eternal saga' of the valour, sacrifice, and national service of India's brave sons, who could not be forgotten. कारगिल विजय दिवस पर देश की अखंडता एवं अस्मिता की रक्षा हेतु अपने प्राणों की आहुति देने वाले अमर सपूतों को कोटिशः नमन। यह दिवस केवल एक युद्ध की विजय नहीं, बल्कि भारत के वीर सपूतों के शौर्य, त्याग और राष्ट्रसेवा की अमर गाथा है, जिसे कभी भुलाया नहीं जा सकता।# — Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) July 26, 2025 'On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I offer countless salutations to the immortal heroes who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the nation's integrity and identity. This day is not merely a victory in a war, but an eternal saga of the valor, sacrifice, and national service of India's brave sons, which can never be forgotten,' the post read. 'Airstrike or OpSindoor, Indian Army no less than any other': MoS Sanjay Seth Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth paid tributes to the valour of Indian soldiers on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Mr. Seth, along with Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, participated in a padyatra in Drass, Kargil district, to remember the sacrifice of the people who lost their lives in the line of action during the 1999 war. The union ministers, accompanied by locals and students, participated in the programme at the historic site of Kargil, which saw the conflict first hand when the area was captured by Pakistani forces in May 1999 and subsequently retaken, after the Indian Army launched Operation Bison. 'The country remembers the stupidity which Pakistan did on May 6, 1999. The entire country remembers on when India's brave soldiers gave a fitting response to it. Be it a surgical strike, an air strike, or Operation Sindoor, the Indian army is no less than any other,' the Union MoS defence told ANI. 'I also salute the soldiers who are on the borders, hundreds of kilometres away, protecting the tricolour and serving India. Today marks 26 years of Kargil Vijay, and I pay my respects to everyone who gave their all,' he added. Seth further mentioned how the whole world was 'bewildered' with India's using its indigenous weapons to give a befitting reply to the Pahalgam terror attack. 'During Operation Sindoor, India attacked Pakistan's terror bases using its indigenous weapons, which is why the world is bewildered that Indian forces destroyed the intentions of Pakistan within a few minutes,' he mentioned. (With inputs from Agencies)
