Jamshedpur Women’s University Interns Complete Two-month Wildlife Stint At TSZP
Key Points:
- TSZP holds 2-km awareness rally highlighting vulture conservation
- Diclofenac use in livestock cited as key threat to vulture population
- Ten interns from Jamshedpur Women’s University complete two-month program
JAMSHEDPUR – The Jamshedpur chapter of International Vulture Awareness Day was observed on Friday at the Tata Steel Zoological Park, with students and zoo staff marking the occasion through a series of events.
However, the celebrations coincided with the completion of a two-month internship program undertaken by B.Sc. students from Jamshedpur Women’s University. Zoo employees joined the students throughout the day’s proceedings.
Meanwhile, the event’s central objective was to spread awareness about the ecological role vultures play and the urgent need for their conservation. TSZP organised the observance with this dual purpose in mind.
A nearly two-kilometre rally was held within and around the zoo premises as part of the day’s programme. Dr Naeem Akhtar, director of TSZP, flagged off the rally from near the Research and Education Centre.
He was joined by Dr M Palit, curator Dr S K Mahto, and biologist-cum-education officer Dr Seema Rani in sending off the participants. Students and staff members took part with enthusiasm, carrying placards with conservation messages.
The placards underscored the role of vultures as nature’s scavengers. Besides highlighting this ecological function, they also drew attention to the birds’ contribution toward maintaining ecological balance.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Akhtar spoke about the significance of the day and urged everyone to contribute toward vulture conservation according to their capacity. He said conserving vultures was essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and for preventing the spread of disease through the effective disposal of animal carcasses.
Dr Palit, on the other hand, spoke about the sharp decline in vulture populations recorded across India and several other countries. He attributed this decline primarily to diclofenac, a veterinary drug identified as a major threat to the birds.
“Diclofenac remains one of the most serious dangers these ecologically vital birds face today,” a TSZP official said, describing the medication’s continued veterinary use as a matter of concern.
Moreover, the event marked the successful culmination of the two-month internship undertaken by Jamshedpur Women’s University students at the park. A closing session was held to mark the occasion.
During the session, students were encouraged to pursue careers in wildlife conservation, nature studies and environmental protection. Speakers said the internship had provided practical, hands-on experience to the participants.
The programme, according to speakers, had also helped broaden the students’ understanding of wildlife conservation and zoo management practices. Several students expressed interest in pursuing careers in biodiversity conservation and environmental management going forward.
In addition, students conveyed gratitude to the zoo management for the learning opportunities and practical exposure provided during the internship period. Certificates were distributed to the interns for successfully completing the programme.
Dr Naeem Akhtar and curator Dr S K Mahto jointly presented the certificates to the participating students. The overall coordination of the event was handled by Dr Seema Rani, biologist-cum-education officer at TSZP.
Several zoo employees, including Bindublaya Das, Pratap, Dilip and Lalan, were present during the proceedings. The observance concluded with a renewed resolve to strengthen public awareness around vulture conservation.
Organisers also urged young people to actively participate in wildlife conservation and environmental education initiatives going forward. TSZP has in recent years positioned itself as a hub for such education outreach involving local universities.
Similar collaborative awareness campaigns have been held elsewhere in the district recently, including a literacy fortnight launched in Gamharia. Wildlife-linked internship tie-ups between the zoo and academic institutions have also expanded over the past year, alongside the Naval Tata Hockey Academy’s own push to widen training access for young women in the city, part of a broader pattern of Tata Steel’s continuing engagement with community and educational programmes in Jamshedpur.
