Hyderabad: Nehru Zoological Park hosted a special Jumbo Feast for its four Asiatic Elephants, Vanaja, Asha, Sita, and Vijay, on the occasion of World Elephant Day.

The event aimed to promote the conservation and protection of these majestic creatures, who are facing numerous threats due to habitat loss and human-elephant conflict.

The Jumbo Feast, specially curated for the occasion, included a delightful mix of green salad, jaggery, mixed fruits with sugarcane, and coconuts. The elephants enjoyed the feast in their spacious, lush green enclosure, which spans approximately 10 acres and is equipped with amenities such as a swimming pool, mud bath, and shower facilities.

Dr. Sunil S. Hiremath, IFS, Director (FAC) & Curator of Nehru Zoological Park, highlighted the importance of World Elephant Day, celebrated globally on August 12. "Elephants are the heaviest mammals on land, and we are proud to provide them with a habitat that supports their well-being," he said. "Today's feast is a gesture of our commitment to raising awareness about elephant conservation."

Sunil expressed his special thanks to the Feed Store Team, led by Bhushan Manjula, FSO, for their efforts in organising the feast. The event also acknowledged the remarkable contributions of elephant caregivers and mahouts K. Raja Kumar, Venkat Rao, Fayaz, Shafi, Abdullah, and Uday for their exceptional care and arrangements.

The celebration was part of Nehru Zoological Park's ongoing Eco-Days initiatives, which aim to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. The event included A. Nagamani, Dy Curator; Dr. M.A. Hakeem, Dy Dir (Vet); P. Amruthamma, Asst Curator/FRO; Laxman Bhanavath, Asst Curator/FRO; E. Vishnuvardhan, Asst Curator/FRO; R. Devendar Dasya, DyRO; Dr. Babu Rao, Biologist; K. Mohan, Supervisor; E. Ganesh, Head Animal Keeper; and G. Nagi Reddy, Lion Keeper, who all participated, among others.

World Elephant Day highlights the importance of creating non-exploitative and sustainable environments where elephants thrive under care and protection. With increasing threats to their populations from industrialisation and habitat loss, everyone must support conservation efforts and advocate for the worldwide protection of elephants.