NZP: Nagaland Zoological Park, Rangapahar celebrated the occasion on October 7 at the zoo premises under the theme, “listening to the young voices”.

Director, Semtichuba Aier conveyed his appreciation to the staff while felicitating zoo biologist, Thiru for his services and vote of thanks was delivered by ACF officer-in-charge Nagaland zoological park, Obed Bohovi Swu, while special gifts were distributed to all participants.

As a token of gratitude for their services in the zoo, all animal section staff comprising animal attendants, cooks, grass cutters and store keeper were also presented with gifts. Free entry for visitors to the zoo and sensitisation about wildlife conservation was done by the officers and staff of the zoo, visitors was encouraged to share their views on conservation and many appreciated the initiative of the zoo management and encouraged the staff to keep up their efforts in conserving their wildlife wealth. Special printed mugs with wildlife photos commemorating wildlife week 2017 were distributed to the visitors. Photos of wildlife in the zoo were printed and gifted to students and children and wildlife quiz for the staff was also conducted to mark the occasion.

FGAN: Forestry Graduates Association of Nagaland (FGAN) celebrated wildlife week by visiting Belho Mini Zoo near High School Colony, Kohima on October 7. The occasion was invoked by Zerutso, vice president (FGAN), welcome address by Kikavi Chophi, president (FGAN) and a short speech by the zoo owner Mrüvuo-o Belho.

The association donated animal identification board and dustbins followed by feeding the animals with fruits and vegetables.

FGAN acknowledged the Zoo management team for the opportunity and also challenged every citizen, young and old, to protect wildlife and their habitats. The celebration was attended by several Forestry graduates and well wishers.

Kiphire: Kiphire wildlife division, department of environment forests and climate change in collaboration with Greenland Society celebrated wildlife week 2017 at Muytei project area near Anatongre village, Kiphire town on October 6. Chief guest, wildlife warden Kiphire, Suman W M Sivachar explained how each animal in the food chain have their own importance. He stated that young minds who were future citizens of the nation were capable of protecting the wildlife.

In his keynote address, chairman Greenland Society, Jongyanthong appreciated the efforts of forest department in making such a program happen for the first time in that area. R Joseph Kius, president Tikhir Tribal Union also explained the importance of conservation and to safeguard the wildlife in the area and called for collaborative public support in conservation efforts. District agricultural officer (DAO), R Santsu Kithan explained that missing of a top predator means that an increase in lower food chain animals, which would eventually lead to imbalance in the ecosystem. Earlier, pastor Anatongre village pronounced benediction, VCC Anatongre, M Tsülimthong appreciated efforts of Greenland Society and Kiphire wildlife division in conducting an awareness program and dance troupe – Kiukhian-Kiuphulong, Anatongre village performed a cultural dance. More than 200 people participated in the program with 45 participants in the various competitions.