BHUBANESWAR: As part of the 60th Wildlife Week celebration, Nandankanan Zoological Park observed Elephant Day on Saturday.
Like every year, special treatment was given to eight elephants of the Zoo. They were draped in specially designed applique apparel, taken on a walk around the park and treated with a variety of fruits by the zoo management. The visitors too were allowed to feed fruits to the elephants.
Principal Secretary to Forest and Environment Department RK Sharma, who attended the function as chief guest, spoke about the need to protect elephants. Director of the Zoo, Sudarshan Panda, said Elephant Day is an occasion to create awareness about the mammal’s conservation and securing their habitats which are facing fragmentation. Six mahouts were also felicitated on the occasion.