Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 02 2024: Established on October 2, 1976, Manipur Zoological Garden celebrated its 48th Foundation Day at Iroisemba today.
The event organised by the Forest Department Manipur was attended by Chief Conservator of Forest, Wild Life, Longjam Joykumar; Manipur Zoological Garden, Director, Laishram Biramangol; Divisional Conservator of Forest, Park & Sanctuary, Bikram Suresh Nadhe and Divisional Conservator of Forest, Wild Life, Thokchom Antum as presidium members.
The celebration began with the offering of floral tributes at the Memorial Stone erected in Manipur Zoological Garden followed by launching of the 70th Wildlife Week, 2024 celebration by the dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Laishram Biramangol said that Manipur Zoological Garden is categorised as a medium zoo by the Central Zoo Authority and is home to a number of rare and endangered species which are endemic to the region.
He asserted that the Manipur Zoological Garden in its 48 years of existence has faced a number of challenges including frequent flooding during the monsoon season.
He continued that despite all these challenges, the staff of Manipur Zoological Garden have been doing their best to protect and provide all possible care to the endangered animals kept in the Zoo.
Longjam Joykumar said that Wildlife Week is celebrated across the country every year from October 2 to October 8 to spread the message of protecting and preserving India's flora and fauna.
He mentioned that Wildlife Day was first observed in 1955 to generate awareness about the long-term goals of safeguarding India's wildlife, but later in 1957, it was renamed Wildlife Week.
He stated that this year's theme "Wildlife Conservation Through Coexistence" aims to raise awareness about the pressing challenges faced by wildlife and the urgent need for collective action to preserve these invaluable resources.
The Chief Conservator also shared that during the Wildlife Week, various activities will be conducted including photography competition, rally by students & Forest officials, workshop and cycle rally.
Later, prizes were distributed to the winners of the Painting & Essay Competition conducted in connection with the Foundation Day of Manipur Zoological Garden.