National Zoological Park Celebrates 67th Foundation Day with Bird Walk

On November 1, 2026, the National Zoological Park (NZP) in New Delhi commemorated its 67th Foundation Day with a vibrant celebration aimed at fostering wildlife conservation and public engagement. The event featured a creative doodle activity that attracted approximately 1,500 visitors, providing a platform for families and children to express their commitment to protecting nature. Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, Director of NZP, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, "The 67th Foundation Day is an important milestone in the Park’s journey and an occasion to renew our commitment to wildlife conservation, animal welfare, biodiversity protection, and public engagement. A modern zoo is not merely a place to see animals; it is a centre for conservation, learning, research, and inspiration. Every visitor, especially every child, can become an ambassador for nature through informed and responsible choices."

The doodle activity was designed to engage visitors of all ages, particularly children, in a fun and interactive manner. Participants were encouraged to express their thoughts on wildlife and conservation through art, fostering a sense of connection with the natural world. The enthusiastic response highlighted the community's interest in biodiversity and environmental education. Dr. Kumar noted, "This event serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect our planet and its inhabitants. By involving the community, we hope to inspire future generations to take action for wildlife conservation."

In addition to the doodle activity, the NZP organized the 19th edition of the ‘Sunday Bird Walk @ NZP,’ which took place from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. This initiative aimed to encourage public participation in biodiversity monitoring and wildlife conservation. Led by ornithologist Dr. Paritosh Ahmed, the walk attracted 18 participants, including bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, students, and wildlife photographers.

During the walk, participants recorded 46 different bird species and observed over 500 individual birds within the designated area. This data contributes to field-level biodiversity documentation and provides participants with practical experience in citizen science. Dr. Ahmed shared valuable insights into bird ecology, behavior, and conservation, emphasizing the critical role birds play in maintaining ecological balance.

Dr. Kumar addressed the participants, highlighting the educational benefits of nature walks. He stated, "Nature walks strengthen field-identification skills, deepen understanding of ecological relationships and food webs, support biodiversity documentation, and foster a lasting appreciation of wildlife conservation." Each Sunday Bird Walk is limited to 20-25 participants to ensure meaningful learning experiences, with prior registration required. The registration process is open from Monday to Friday each week, and interested individuals can sign up through the NZP official website or the NZP Saathi mobile application.

The celebration of the 67th Foundation Day at the National Zoological Park underscores the institution's ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation and public education. The park not only serves as a habitat for various species but also as a center for research and community engagement. Dr. Kumar's call to action for citizens to connect with the park and learn about biodiversity reflects a broader initiative to cultivate environmental stewardship among the public.

As the NZP continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of wildlife conservation and education. The enthusiastic participation of the community in events like the Foundation Day celebration and the Sunday Bird Walk illustrates a growing awareness and commitment to protecting the natural world. Through these efforts, the National Zoological Park aims to inspire future generations to become advocates for wildlife and environmental conservation.