Published on: April 24, 2025
By: [BTI]
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
In a unique educational initiative, B.Sc. fourth semester students of the Zoology Department from Govt. Digvijay Autonomous Postgraduate College, Rajnandgaon, visited Jungle Safari in Atal Nagar (Nava Raipur) as part of their academic curriculum. The educational tour was conducted under the leadership of Principal Dr. Suchitra Gupta and Head of Department Dr. Kiran Lata Damle, aimed at offering students practical exposure to wildlife and ecological systems.
During the tour, students observed a vast variety of animals including the white tiger, Asiatic lion, Indian leopard, Royal Bengal tiger, bear, hyena, jackal, wolf, dhole, fox, gaur, wild buffalo, and deer species such as chital, sambar, nilgai, and blackbuck. They also visited the Butterfly Garden, Bird Aviary, Reptile Park, and Aquatic Section featuring species like hippopotamus, gharials, crocodiles, and turtles.
The tour aimed to provide practical knowledge about the natural habitats, behaviors, dietary patterns, and ecological roles of various animal species. Students also explored the Veterinary Hospital, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, gaining insights into wildlife conservation efforts, rescue operations, and the challenges of human-wildlife conflict.
A highlight of the tour was the interaction with Chhattisgarh’s Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, who had arrived for the inauguration of the safari’s administrative and veterinary facilities. He engaged with students, encouraging them to contribute to wildlife conservation and praised their academic interest in zoological studies.
The faculty team comprising Dr. Sanjay Thiske, Dr. Majid Ali, Mr. Chiranjeev Pandey, and Mrs. Karuna Rawate played a vital role in guiding the students throughout the excursion, providing valuable insights into animal classification, ecological importance, and conservation strategies.
Principal Dr. Suchitra Gupta commended the department for organizing the trip, noting that such educational activities play a crucial role in holistic student development and enhancing practical knowledge. She lauded the effort as both enriching and inspirational, promoting deeper awareness of biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation.