World Elephant Day 2025

12th August, 2025

Nandankanan Zoological Park today joined the global community in celebrating World Elephant Day with great enthusiasm and active public participation. The event focused on raising awareness about elephant conservation, their ecological significance, and the challenges these gentle giants face in the wild.

The park’s four resident elephants — Basanti (61 years), Heera (27 years), and the playful calves Asha and Lisha, both nearing two years of age — are at the heart of the celebration. A special fruit feast and dietary enrichment were arranged for them, much to the delight of visitors.

Nandankanan, which has been caring for elephants since 1972, continues to play a pivotal role in the rescue, rehabilitation, and management of these majestic animals across Odisha. Among its most inspiring success stories is that of Asha, a 3-month-old calf rescued with a severe forelimb injury, who made a full recovery after months of dedicated treatment — becoming a true symbol of hope and resilience for the state’s elephants.

As part of the celebration, educational sessions were conducted by zoo educators and keepers, highlighting the natural history of Asian elephants, threats from habitat loss and poaching, and the importance of human-elephant coexistence. Interactive activities, including quiz contests, origami workshops, and storytelling sessions, engaged school children and inspired them to become future conservation ambassadors. Sri Bikash Ranjan Dash, Chief Conservator of Forests, O/o PCCF (WL) and esteemed members of Nature and Wildlife Conservation Society of Odisha (NWCSO) along with 30 school students graced the occasion.

The event concluded with a pledge to protect elephants and their habitats, reaffirming Nandankanan’s unwavering commitment to the care, conservation, and protection of Odisha’s wildlife treasures.