Wildlife Week is celebrated all over the country in the month of October from October 2 to 8 every year in the hopes of propagating preservation of animal life in India. In Nagaland, the week was marked with different programs and activities by different organizations and institutions.
Nagaland Zoological Park: The weeklong celebration of wildlife week at Nagaland Zoological Park (NZP) culminated with a program organised in collaboration with Forestry Graduates Association of Nagaland (FGAN) on October 6.
A press release from NZP Rangapahar director, Obed Bohovi Swu stated that principal of GHSS, Singrijan, P. Aienla Longkumer graced the program as special guest. The weeklong program in the park included free entry for children and students into the park from October 2 to 5 and students were given guided tours all through the week.
The celebration also included a cleanliness drive inside the Zoo by students from Honili Memorial Higher Secondary School, Lhomithi village. The program was attended by students of Government Higher Secondary School, Singrijan. It also included slide presentation on “Endemic and endangered wild fauna of Nagaland” and screening of a wildlife film in the morning session and quiz competition in the afternoon session.
The main highlight of culmination program was the facilitation of all the animal keepers of NZP by the management. Director, NZP also thanked the FGAN for organising the program successfully.
Dimapur Forest Division: Wildlife Week was observed at Chumukedima Town Council Hall on October 6 under the theme “Big Cats- Predators under Threat” organized by Dimapur Forest Division with participants from the administration, village councils, students from Government Middle School Chumukedima, along with the teacher in-charge.
A press release from forest ranger Chumukedima range, Imkongsunep stated that a speech on the theme was delivered by EAC Chumukedima, Thejavizo Nakhro and ACF Chumukedima range, Suvil Ltu.
The program was chaired by forest ranger, Imkongsunep Longchar, invocation was said by pastor Chumukedima Baptist Church, Sazo Kire, while vote of thanks was delivered by forest ranger Niuland range forest ranger, Bokato Sema.
Wokha Forest Division: Wokha Forest Division organized an extempore speech competition in celebration of Wildlife Week 2018 at Mt. Tiyi College (MTC) Wokha on October 5, with Manoj Kumar, SP Wokha as the special guest.
A press release from DFO Wokha, Zuthunglo Patton stated that the competition was organized to raise awareness about forests and wildlife and give students a platform to develop their confidence to help contribute towards nature’s cause.
SP Wokha, expressed joy at being part of the Wildlife Week 2018 celebrations. Speaking on the theme “Big Cats – Predators Under Threat”, he encouraged the students to spread the message of conservation of forests and wildlife to their family and friends and to start the change with themselves.
The participants spoke on various topics in the competition conducted by Roland Kikon, assistant professor, MTC and they were judged by DFO Wokha, DFO Doyang and Dr. Rosanna Kikon, HoD History. The first prize was won by Rakhal Roy of BA 1st semester, second prize by Mhonchan Jungi of BA 5th semester, third prize by Meribemo Patton of BA 5th semester and three consolation prizes by Shanchothung, Michael and Oponthung.
Earlier, program began with an invocation by assistant professor, Shancholo, welcome address by principal MTC, Dr. Apeni Lotha. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Prabhat Kumar, DFO Doyang Plantation Division. Special song on the Earth and the environment was presented by the students of Fernbrook School, Wokha. Vote of thanks was given by Gloria Patton.