In 2052 BS (1995 AD), the Government of Nepal granted NTNC a 30-year contract for operating the Central Zoo (with a provision of extension for another 30 years), the country’s only zoo. Originally founded in 1989 BS (1932 AD) as a private zoo by then-late Rana Prime Minister Juddha Samsher, it was managed by the Government of Nepal following the political changes of 2007 BS (1950 AD). It was then managed by a number of government agencies until the management was handed to NTNC in Poush, 2052 (December, 1995) in honor of the Late Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah’s Golden Jubilee Birthday celebration. Since then, the trust has worked to establish the Central Zoo as a hub for teaching and research on ex-situ wildlife conservation. To mark the 28^th Anniversary of Central Zoo under NTNC’s Management, various programs were organized as follow:

Mobile Photography Competition

Mobile photography training and competition was held on 2080/09/01 (December 17, 2023) on the theme “Species at the Zoo” to mark the ceremony with FOZ school students. The training and competition aimed to enhance the knowledge of the new technology among the FOZ-students and also help them see the species present at the zoo with more depth. A total of 62 students from 31 different schools participated on the program. The winners of the competition are Rishith Aryal (First Position), Sambhav Rawat (Second Position), Simran Karki (Third Position) and Biswas Shahi and Prasha Maharjan (Consolation).

Games among FOZ teachers, Zoo staffs and Zoo Visitors

The celebration of twenty eighth anniversaries also included games among FOZ coordinators, Zoo staff, and Zoo visitors. Tug of war, Hit the pot and Musical chair was organized on 2080/09/08 (December 24, 2023) among the FOZ coordinators (10 teachers) and Zoo staff, Tug of war and Hula Loop was organized on 2080/09/09 (December 25, 2023) among the Zoo staffs. Badminton competition was also held among the zoo staff on 2080/09/09-10 (December 25-26, 2023). Musical chair (30 visitors) and Hit the pot (12 visitors) were organized on 2080/09/14 (December 30, 2023) among the Zoo visitors to mark the anniversary among them.

Main Day Event: Program & Prize Distribution

Central Zoo celebrated its 28^th Anniversary under NTNC’s management with enthusiasm on 2080/09/14 (December 30, 2023). The event was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mr. Chiribabu Maharjan, Chairperson of the event Chairperson of National Trust for Nature Conservation Dr. Krishna Prasad Oli, special guests Director General of Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation Dr. Sindu Prasad Dhungana and guests from other conservation organizations, FOZ-teachers’ committee, and Lalitpur Metropolitan City. The celebration included a total of 110 guests from different organizations.

The proceedings commenced with a warm welcome extended to the esteemed guests by the Member Secretary of NTNC, Mr. Sharad Chandra Adhikary. A highlight of the anniversary celebration was the prize distribution ceremony for the winners of the Inter FOZ School photography competition. The competition not only showcased the beauty of the zoo’s diverse animal inhabitants but also served as a means to promote awareness about wildlife conservation.

The anniversary celebration also took a moment to felicitate the dedicated staff members and schools that have been continuously supporting the success and growth of the zoo. Mr. Rabindra Prasad Deuja, Mr. Badri Khadka and Mr. Bikash Thapa were felicitated for their continuous service to Central Zoo for 25 years as a staff and, Mr. Bhakti Bilash Ghimire from Gyanodaya Bal Batika School and Bright Future Secondary School were felicitated for their continuous support on enhancing the conservation education program of Central Zoo via Friends of Zoo program.

Mayor Mr. Chiribabu Maharjan, in his address, spoke passionately about the zoo’s significance in promoting wildlife conservation and education within the community. He highlighted the efforts of the zoo staff and expressed his belief that organizations like the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) were ideal partners for running and maintaining the zoo. The Mayor also committed on helping the Zoo develop in every aspect possible.

Director General Dr. Sindu Prasad Dhungana shared valuable insights into the impactful rescue missions carried out by the zoo in different part of the country. He highlighted the crucial role played by the zoo in rescuing and rehabilitating various species, showcasing the zoo’s commitment to wildlife conservation and welfare.

Mr. Indra Prasad Bhattarai, advisor of the FOZ Teacher’s Committee, emphasized on the Friends of Zoo program being one of the most commending programs of the Central Zoo to educate and aware the students about the wildlife species and their behavior. He also advised on the importance of curricula development on the theme conservation education for the primary level students to enhance the compassion on environment and its component from a younger age.

Chairperson Dr. Krishna Prasad Oli elaborated about the conservation efforts of NTNC in Nepal through different research done by the organization. He also highlighted the fact that output of all the research activities being conducted will be very beneficial for the conservation of nature and natural resources as well as managing the issues arising due to climate change.

The ceremony concluded on a note, Central Zoo plays an important role in the rescue and rehabilitation of the wild species in the country and is also an open library for different study and research. The celebration also brought a new perspective on celebration of the zoo day on the exact day of its establishment by then Late Prime Minister Juddha Samsher.