Hyderabad, August 12 (Maxim News): World Elephant Day 2026 was celebrated at Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad on Wednesday with a special programme for four Asian elephants housed at the zoo.
The zoo marked the occasion with an awareness programme focused on elephant conservation and the role of elephants in the ecosystem. Officials also used the event to educate visitors about the importance of protecting wildlife.
The zoo houses four Asian elephants named Vanaja, Asha, Sita and Vijay. The group includes three female elephants and one male elephant.
As part of World Elephant Day 2026 celebrations, zoo staff brought all four elephants out of their enclosures. The elephants walked for about five kilometres along designated routes inside the zoo.
During the walk, the elephants also ate tree branches that they could reach along the route. Animal keepers supervised the elephants throughout the activity.
The zoo also prepared a special jumbo feast for the four elephants. Staff prepared about five kilograms of food for each elephant.
The special elephant cakes included cooked rice, fruits and vegetables. The food included bananas, apples, pineapples, oranges, watermelon, sugarcane, coconuts, cucumbers and carrots.
World Elephant Day 2026 promotes wildlife awareness
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Curator J. Muralidhar said the zoo took pride in celebrating World Elephant Day 2026. He said the zoo regularly conducts wildlife education activities to improve public awareness.
He said the five kilometre walk gave visitors an opportunity to observe the elephants outside their regular enclosures. He also said the event combined education with an engaging experience for visitors.
Zoo staff prepared four separate jumbo cakes with the support of animal keepers, the feed store and the zoo kitchen staff. The cakes used cooked rice, ragi, fruits and vegetables.
Visitors received an opportunity to observe the elephants from a closer distance under staff supervision. Animal keepers and the Zoo Education Officer explained facts about elephants and their ecological importance.
The programme also highlighted the role of elephants in maintaining forest ecosystems. Elephants help shape habitats through their movement, feeding and interaction with vegetation.
Several visitors appreciated the zoo management for organising the programme. They said such activities can make wildlife education more engaging while creating greater awareness about conservation.
Assistant Curators Nazia Thabassum and B. Laxman, Assistant Director Veterinary Dr P. Srinivas Reddy and other zoo officials attended the programme.
Deputy Range Officers Karunakar and Hema, Forest Section Officer Venkat Rao and Feed Store Incharge Manjula also participated.
Public Relations Officer H. M. Hanifulla, Zoo Education Officer Ch. Deepak Tharun and other zoo staff supported the event. Park Supervisor G. Nagireddy, animal keepers and other staff also assisted with the arrangements.
The programme underlined the zoo’s continuing efforts to promote wildlife education and encourage public interest in elephant conservation. (Maxim News)
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