Latest news with #WorldLionDay
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
State zoo welcomes four Asiatic lion cubs, sparks hope for conservation
1 2 3 4 Guwahati: Assam State Zoo has announced the birth of four healthy Asiatic lion cubs, marking a significant milestone in the fight to save one of the world's most endangered big cats. Born to Kesari on July 24, the cubs' arrival was revealed by state environment minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on World Lion Day. Patowary hailed the births as a "significant step in species conservation," underscoring the importance of this achievement in the broader context of wildlife preservation. The cubs and their mother are reportedly in good health, under the vigilant care of the zoo's veterinary team. This heartwarming event is more than just a delightful addition to the zoo's family; it represents a strategic victory for India's lion conservation initiatives. Kesari, who was brought to Assam from Gujarat's Junagarh Zoo in 2021 as part of an animal exchange program, has now successfully given birth twice, first to two female cubs, Joya and Bijoya, in February 2024, and now to these four cubs. The zoo officials, who are ecstatic, said this isn't just about adding to the zoo's animal count. It's about securing the future of the Asiatic lion, a species listed as "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. Ashwini Kumar, divisional forest officer of the zoo, highlighted the critical role zoos play in conservation efforts, particularly through carefully managed breeding programs that help maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population. "Zoos are active participants in conservation," Kumar stated. "By maintaining a robust gene pool, we create a safety net for the species, ensuring its survival even if wild populations decline," he added. Assam State Zoo's efforts are part of a larger collaborative network across India, where animals are shared between facilities to maintain population balance and genetic diversity. "If a zoo has more individuals than it can sustainably house, they're moved to facilities with fewer or none," Kumar said. "It's a collaborative effort to keep the species thriving," he added. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Hans India
2 days ago
- General
- Hans India
World Lion Day celebrated at Zoo
Hyderabad: As part of promoting wildlife awareness about lions and their conservation, the Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad celebrated World Lion Day on Sunday. Competitions like puzzles, crosswords, find the word, etc. were conducted at the Asiatic and African Lion Enclosures of the zoo. About 374 students participated in the competitions and an informative talk show on lions was conducted where the animal keeper briefed them about the lions' behaviour, life span other details. It was conducted under the supervision of Ch M Deepak Tarun, and visitors got the chance to interact with keepers and know about their favorite animal. Speaking on this occasion, Dr. P. Srinivas, Assistant Director (Vety.) spoke about the health care and maintenance of the lions in the zoo. Nazia Thabassum, AC-1, spoke about the importance of celebrating Lion Day. Addressing the gathering, B. Laxman, AC-3, said that Hyderabad Zoo is housing pure breed Asiatic lions and said they are very proud to announce that it is the only zoo in India having pure breed Asiatic lions.
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
World Lion Day celebrated
Kanpur: An event was organised at Etawah Safari Park on the occasion of World Lion Day on Sunday. This event was celebrated at the Nature Interpretation Centre. Children accompanying the tourists were given the opportunity to express their thoughts on the importance of lions, and the birthday of the lion Vishwa was also celebrated. Vishwa was born in 2022. Vishwa is the offspring of the male lion Kanha and the late lioness Jennifer of Etawah Safari Park. On this occasion, the director of the Safari Park, Dr. Anil Kumar Patel gave tourists information about unheard facts related to lions and the current status of lions residing in the Safari. Etawah Lion Safari was first proposed in 2006. At first, six lions were migrated to the park in 2014. The Asiatic lion breeding centre has twelve breeding Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
‘RoaRsearch' workshop trains youth in wildlife monitoring
Vadodara: The department of zoology, MS University's faculty of science, is hosting the 'RoaRsearch' workshop on wildlife monitoring techniques to mark World Lion Day. Organized in collaboration with the Vadodara Wildlife Division, Forest Department, and the Association of Zoologists, the three-day workshop began on Sunday. It aims to equip young researchers and students with practical skills in wildlife research and conservation, blending academic sessions with field training to promote a deeper understanding of monitoring methods and the importance of preserving India's biodiversity. The workshop includes expert talks by leading scientists and forest officers, as well as field exercises. The inaugural session was held in the presence of MSU's in-charge vice-chancellor Dhanesh Patel, dean of the faculty of science, Professor Vipul A Kalamkar and head of the department of zoology, Professor B Suresh. As part of the fieldwork, participants will undergo intensive field training at Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary. They will be introduced to practical bird census methods, mammal tracking and identification using signs and camera traps, quadrat and transect methods, and techniques for collecting and interpreting field data for ecological studies. The workshop has brought together 50 selected students from across Gujarat. The workshop included guest speakers such as Vijay Kumar Koli, assistant professor at Udaipur-based M L Sukhadia University and Hari Prasad Sharma, associate professor at Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
The story of Asiatic lion's conservation in Gir has become global: Gujarat CM Patel on World Lion Day
The successful story of Asiatic lion's conservation in Gujarat has become global due to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and proactive practices of the forest department, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said on Sunday. The CM was participating in an official function to celebrate World Lion Day in Timbdi village of Bhanvad taluka in Devbhumi Dwarka district. The CM was also joined by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, among others. Speaking on the occasion, CM Patel said, 'The population of lions in Gujarat…has increased to 891. The increasing population of lions is a matter of pride for us. Under the leadership of PM Modi, a relation of emotion and economy has been established between the locals and lions. In the last 25 years, the lion's territory has expanded from three districts to 11 districts.' The region is known as Barda Wildlife Sanctuary where the Asiatic lions have naturally settled after a long time while reclaiming their territory. Referring to this fact, the CM said, 'Lions have naturally made Barda Wildlife Sanctuary their home. The PM has announced to provide all necessary help and facilities for lion conservation in Barda. And today, after 143 years, rehabilitation of lions has started in Barda. Naturally beautiful Barda region is attracting tourists. With the PM's vision and proactive practices of the forest department, the successful story of lion's conservation in Gir has become global.' On the occasion, the CM also inaugurated or laid the foundation stone of various projects worth Rs 180 crore in the region. These include development of a safari park in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, facilities for tourists there, around 247 vehicles for patrolling, monitoring and rescue of the wild animals. The CM also launched a portal from where tourists can do online booking of 24 eco-tourism sites in the state. Yadav also delivered a speech on the occasion wherein he emphasised the importance of eco-centrism: a condition where humans can live with nature. 'And I tell it across the world, our maldhari fellows are living in their Nes (maldhari settlements in Gir region) while conserving nature. There, the population of lions has also increased,' Yadav said. He said that Gir is the best example of how man can live with lion in a friendly manner. 'If one wants to see wildlife conservation in a friendly manner, then the Gir region of Gujarat, local government's efforts and the lifestyle of local maldhari community should be observed,' Yadav said. Yadav said that the concept of eco-centrism can be a big example for the world. And for that, he said, PM Modi has given a climate action programme in the form of International Big Cat Alliance. The Union minister said that out of the seven big cat varieties in the world (lion, tiger, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma), five can be seen in India. Yadav said that under PM Modi, conservation efforts are being made for the five big cats. Gujarat is the only place where Asiatic lions can be found. Yadav said the number of tiger reserves in India has increased from 47 to 58 in the last 10 years, and 70% of the total tigers of the world are surviving in the wild in India. Commenting on Project Cheetah, the Union minister said, 'The fifth big cat, cheetah, was last seen in India in 1952. Those cheetahs were seen in Kuno of Madhya Pradesh… It was a big challenge to bring back the wild cheetah. I want to tell you that under the leadership of PM Modi, we had brought 20 cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa. Today, with 29 cheetahs, our fifth big cat (initiative) Project Cheetah is going very well.'
