Wild Animal Rescue Management System has been created on the official website of the Forest Department of Maharashtra (www.mahaforest.nic.in). In this system, it is expected to record the total rescue operations of the wildlife, record of the wild animals admitted to the transit treatment center, records of the rescue operations, records of the wild animals released back in natural habitat, records of the wild animals that died during the rescue operations. However, it is being pointed out that the records of rescue operations are not being made in the above mentioned system.
So training was being organized in the office of The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra, Nagpur on dt. 27/09/2024 at 10.00 am.
Range Forest Officers and data entry operators from all the working TTCs who upload the data in above mentioned system were present. Training was given by Divisional Forest Officer and NIC coordinator of forest department.
A study tour was arranged at Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park Nagpur by The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra on 03th of October 2024 kids from Little Millennium School, Friends Colony, Katol Road, Nagpur participated majorly in this initiative. This tour was planned under the guidance of Dr. Prabhu Nath Shukla sir, CCF & Member secretary of the Zoo authority of Maharashtra, DFO Mrs. Leena Ade Ma'am & other officials were duly present in this activity. The kids were informed about the importance of Zoo's & its management for the better conservation of wild animals.
Year 2023-24
Two-Day Training Programon Wildlife Health Management.
The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra, in collaboration with the Wildlife Research & Training Centre, Gorewada, and the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd., successfully conducted a two-day training programme on "Advances in Wildlife Health Management" from July 11 to July 12, 2024, at the Wildlife Rescue Centre, Gorewada, Nagpur. This programme was specifically designed for veterinarians from zoo and rescue centres, as well as transit treatment centres, to enhance their knowledge and skills in managing wildlife health.
The inaugural session on July 11, 2024, was graced by dignitaries including Shri Sanjeev Gour, Chief General Manager (Planning) ,Dr. Prabhu Nath Shukla,CCF and member secretary of The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra and Dr. Shri Shirish Upadhaye, Director Wildlife Research and Training Center, Gorewada,Nagpur.The session began with a registration at 9:30 AM, followed by the formal inauguration at 10:00 AM. The programme proceeded with the first technical session at 11:00 AM on "Advances in Trauma & Fracture Management in Wildlife" delivered by Dr. S.V. Upadhye. This was followed by a session on "Advances in Molecular Diagnosis of Wildlife Diseases" at 12:00 PM by Dr. Sujit Kolangath.
Post-lunch, the participants engaged in a session on "Management of Kidney Ailments in Wild Felids" at 2:00 PM by Dr. V.M. Dhoot. The day concluded with a practical session on the "Utilization of Molecular Tools for Disease Diagnosis in Wildlife" at 3:00 PM, jointly conducted by Dr. Sujit Kolangath and Miss Priyanka Mulmule.
On the second day, July 12, 2024, the programme commenced by a session on "Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Protozoal Diseases in Wild Animals" at 10:00 AM by Dr. Shalini A.S. After the tea break at 11:45 AM, Dr. M.D. Pawashe conducted a session on "Transportation of Wild Animals" at 12:00 PM.
The post-lunch session at 2:00 PM focused on "Population Control in Wild Animals," presented by Dr. B.K. Bhadane. The day concluded with a visit to the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park, Nagpur, at 3:00 PM, guided by Dr. M.D. Pawashe, followed by the valedictory ceremony at 5:00 PM, attended by Dr. Prabhu Nath Shukla,CCF and member secretary of The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra and Dr. Shri Shirish Upadhaye, Director Wildlife Research and Training Center, Gorewada,Nagpur.
The workshop aimed to equip veterinarians with the latest advancements and practical skills necessary for effective wildlife health management. Participants expressed their appreciation for the valuable insights and hands-on experience gained during the sessions, emphasizing the importance of such training programmes in fostering wildlife conservation and management.
The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra and its collaborators were commended for organizing this informative and practical workshop, contributing significantly to the advancement of wildlife health management practices.
Year 2023-24
The book unveiling Programm.
A program of book unveiling was conducted under the MahaZoo State Authority, Nagpur on 27th January at FDCM Bhavan, Hingana Road, Nagpur at the hands of Honorable Shri. Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister for Forests, Cultural Affairs & Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra. Four booklets named Animal Adoption Scheme - Guidance Booklet, Government of Maharashtra, Maharashtra State Animal Zoo Volunteer Program, Queries arising in Forests, Zoo Objectives & Outcomes were unveiled at the hands of dignitaries.
The proceedings were held in the prominent presence of Shri. Shailesh Tembhurnikar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (HoFF), Shri. Mahip Gupta sir, Principal Chief Conservator (Wildlife), Dr. Prabhu Nath Shukla, Principal Conservator & Member Secretary - Maharashtra State, Smt. Leena Rajeshwar Aade, Divisional Forest Officer, Maharashtra Zoo Authority, Nagpur.
List of BooksPublished in this Program:-
1. Maharashtra Rajya : Prani Sangrahalaya Dattak Yojana- Margadarshak Pustika.
2. Maharashtra Rajya : Prani Sangrahalaya SwayamSevak Karyakram.
3. Janglat Padnare Prashana.
4. ZooObjectives & Outcomes.
Year 2023-24
Study Tour
A study tour was arranged at Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park Nagpur by The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra on 27th of October 2023. School kids from Delhi Public School, Dabha participated majorly in this initiative. This tour was planned under the guidance of Dr. Prabhu Nath Shukla sir, CCF & Member secretary of the Zoo authority of Maharashtra, DFO Mrs. Leena Ade Ma'am & other officials were duly present in this activity. The kids were informed about the importance of Zoo's & its management for the better conservation of wild animals.
Year 2019-20
Officers from The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra , Zoo Directors from different Zoo's of Maharashtra , veternarian and biologists associated with The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra visited Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad on 28th and 29th November 2019. During the same tour, LACONES Hyderabad was visited and information was obtained.
The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra has prepared advertisement boards to generatepublic awareness about wildlife conservation atthe following locations-
(1) Japanese Garden, Nagpur.
(2) Social Forestry Division, Nagpur.
(3) Zero Mile, Nagpur.
(4) Wadi , Amaravati Road Nagpur.
(5) Ajni Square, Airport Road, Nagpur.
Wildlife Week 2019 was celebrated from 01 October 2019 to 07 October 2019 at following places. Different activities , competitions and events were conducted by TheZoo Authority of Maharashtra-
1) Drawing Competition was held at Maharajbagh Zoo, Nagpur.
2)Drawing Competition was held at Siddharth Zological Park , Aurangabad.
3)Quiz competition and drawing competition on conservation of wild animalswere organized byRajiv Gandhi Zoolagical Park and Wlidlife Research Center, Kataj, Pune.Certificates and momentos weregiven to the participants byThe Zoo Authority of Maharashtra.
Year 2018-19
Training / Workshops / Seminars / Education
1. Two days’ workshop of Directors / Managers of the zoos, rescue centres& safaris in Maharashtra –
A two days’ workshop regarding various ardent Management of zoo rescue centre and sustains for the zoo Directors/Managers/working in different zoos, Municipal corporation officers, Forest officers, managers of rescue centres and safaris across Maharashtra was organized by Zoo Authority Maharashtra was organized by zoo Authority Maharashtra Nagpur in collaboration with the sanjay Gandhi national park, Mumbai and Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udhyan and zo, Byculla on 18th and 19th March 2018. The workshop was inaugurated on dated 18th March, 2018 is hotel Suvi Palace Ghodbandar near SGNP by Dr.Anupkumar Nayak, Member Secretary, Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi Shri. Nitin Kakodkar, Chief Wildlife Warden Maharashtra Presided over the function. The Designators present on dias were Shri. M. K. Rao, Additional PCCF, Wildlife, West, Dr. Ravikiran Govekar, Member Secretary, Maharashtra Zoo Authority, Shri. Anwar Ahmed CCF and Director SGNP and Resource person for the workshop Dr. Brij Kishore Gupta, Evaluating and Monitoring Officer, Central Zoo Authority Dr. Parag Nigam, Sr. Scientist, Wildlife institute of India, Dehradun, Dr. Rajkumar Jadhav, Director, Katraj Zoo, Pune. Dr.Neelamkumar Khaire, Zoo Expert.
Maharashtra has a total of 9th Zoos and 4th Rescue Centers managed by the Municipal Corporations, Forest department and certain individuals and is the background Central Zoo Authority of de-recognizing 4 of the Zoo in the State for not complying to certain norms of captive management, holdings of such workshops was pertinent.
Zoos are an important tool for ex-situ conservation of wildlife and are an important tool for conservation education and research. Many times, there is limited clarity about certain statutory provisions for zoo management that requires immediate concern for effective captive management. Considering this, the two-day workshop was planned whereby the participants got the exposure to best practices throughout India and understanding statutory provisions.
The Member Secretary, Mr. Nayak in his keynote address explained the broader policy framework of captive management and underlined the role of CZA in regulating the zoos across the country. He stressed on the need for effective management without violating the norms and running the captive facilities with adequate facilities and statutory compliance. Shri. Kakodkar during his address expressed the need for fine balancing between conflict management and ex-situ management of the animals in rescue centres. The subsequent sessions covered topics related to health management in zoos, enrichments in zoos, statutory provisions and rules of captive management, best practices in certain zoos, zoo evaluation norms etc.
The participants of the workshop on dt. 19th March, 2018 visited Veer Mata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo, Byculla to get exposure on good practices being carried out. They were made aware of the various aspects of zoo management and also a number of development activities undertaken in the zoos; the participants freely interacted with the zoo officials and got their queries cleared.About 30 participants from different parts of the state participated and interacted during the workshop. The workshop was co-hosted by SGNP, Borivali and VJBU & Zoo, Byculla.
Rescue training programs
Gently from the instruction received from principal chief Conservator of forest (wildlife) M.S Nagpur a training regarding chemical redtrience of wild animals in the wake of man animals’ animal conflict was conducted for selected field staff of territorial division by MZA in Gorewada Rescue Centre primes in Nagpur the staff was made aware of the technique and even given hand on express about darting from tranquilize gun.
Taken on the thought was given to that even often after impacting training the staff from territorial sidewould repenting transferred to other players after few years putting the whole exercise
Advance Training Part – 1 of Rapid Rescue Teams - There is region wise uniqueness in each wildlife rescue operation and there is utmost need of team spirit and cooperation with the rescue team for deft, Swift and successful execution of the operation. This was stated by Shri A.K. Misra, PCCF (wildlife) M.S. Nagpur. He was speaking while inaugurating a 3 days advance training programme for Rapid Rescue Team (RRT) arranged in Amaltas Tourist Complex at Sillari of Pench Tiger Reserve The dais was shared by Shri. Sudhakar S Dole, CCF and Member Secretary Maharashtra State Zoo Authority, Nagpur.
The idea of imparting advanced training to the rapid rescue team was conceptualized by PCCF (Wildlife) in order to make them ready to giveSwift and effective response in cases of wildlife conflict. The three days training programme arranged from 26 to 28 Jun 2018 was attended by selected jawans of STPF from Pench, Navegaon-Nagzira, Melghat and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserves alongwith Veterinary doctors and also RRT of Dhule Circle totalling to 60 participants. The training programme was conducted by Zoo Authority of Maharashtra on behalf of APCCF (Wildlife) East, Nagpur. During the course of training, the RRT members were imparted field-basedhands-on exposure about handling and maintenance of tranquilizing gun, preparation of dart and aiming with dart and air gun as well, preparation and care to be taken during and after the rescue operation by experts in that field. Similarly, they were also trained in the actual field about tracking of wild animals, use of cages, construction of machans, non-verbal communication, self defense etc., confidence building and team spirit with the help of thrilling and adventurous games by subject experts. Experts as Nawab Shafath Ali Khan (Wildlife Tranqui Force, Hyderabad), Shri. Girish Washishtha (Rtd. DFO), Dr. Swapnil Sonone (IUCN Bear specialist group and RRT trainer, Amravati), Shri. Bandu Dhotre (Founder President, Eco-Pro and Honorary Wildlife Warden, Chandrapur), Shri. Amol Khante (Fornder, CAC All Rounder, Nagpur) and Amol Gavner (Forest Guard, RRT Amravati) gave spell binding presentations to the trainees based upon self-experiences. The trainees expressed the worthiness of the training programme and were confident of its utility in successful execution of rescue operations in future. More such training is planned in future for RRT skill development and increase in efficiency.
Shri.Uttam Sawant, DFO (Wildlife) coordinator designed the syllabus for the course and was supported by Dr. Kadu, Veterinary officer. Shri.Kamlakar Dhamge, DFO, Vidyasagar Misalkar, ACF and officers and employees of Zoo Authority of Maharashtra worked relentlessly for effective and successful execution of the training programme.
Advance Training Part – 2 of Rapid Rescue Teams - The idea of imparting advance training to the rapid rescue team was conceptualized by PCCF (Wildlife) in order to make them ready to give Swift and effective response in cases of wildlife conflict. The three days training programme arranged from 7 to 9 August 2018 was attended by selected jawans of STPF from Pench, Navegaon-Nagzira, Melghat and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserves along with Veterinary doctors and also RRT of Dhule Circle totalling to 56 participants.The training programme arranged at Amaltas Tourist Complex of Pench Tiger-Reserve, Sillari was conducted by Zoo Authority of Maharashtra on behalf of APCCF (Wildlife) East, Nagpur.Series of such training programmes for RRT is being conducted by The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra of which 1st Stage advanced training was conducted at the same place in June, 2018.
During the course of training, the RRT members were imparted field-basedhands-on exposure about handling and maintenance of tranquilizing guns, preparation of dart and aiming with darts, preparation and care to be taken during and after the rescue operation by experts in that field.The RRT teams were given simulated situations for rescue of wild animals based upon the field experiences and were judged for their promptness, coordination, preplanning etc.The trainees shared their field experiences with other teammates with the help of PowerPoint presentations. In Depth analysis of mistakes during the operation was done by them. The trainees expressed the worthiness of the training programme and were confident of its utility in successful execution of rescue operations in future. More such trainings are planned in future for RRT skill development and increase in efficiency.Shri.Uttam Sawant, DFO (Wildlife), coordinator designed the syllabus for the course and was supported by other Veterinary officers and The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra.Future planning about the course curriculum of the training and other preparations was given a thought by the experts. Shri.KamlakarDhamge, DFO, and officers and employees of Zoo Authority of Maharashtra worked relentlessly for effective and successful execution of the training programme.
Year 2017-18
2017-18Resource person during the training program
Tranquilizing equipment maintenance and darting training program
Maintenance of equipment like the tranquiliser gun etc. and darting training program was organised by The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra and Gorewada Project, FDCM Ltd. The training program was organised on June 19th to 20th, 2017 at Gorewada Project, Katol Road, Nagpur.
Objective: The objective of the training program was to give hands-on training to the veterinarians working in the field conditions in different rescue operations and the field staff of the Maharashtra State Forest Department, so that they discharge their field duties effectively & efficiently.
2017-18Resource person during the training program
Tranquilizing equipment maintenance and darting training program
Maintenance of equipment like the tranquiliser gun etc. and darting training program was organised by The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra and Gorewada Project, FDCM Ltd. The training program was organised on June 19th to 20th, 2017 at Gorewada Project, Katol Road, Nagpur.
Objective: The objective of the training program was to give hands-on training to the veterinarians working in the field conditions in different rescue operations and the field staff of the Maharashtra State Forest Department, so that they discharge their field duties effectively & efficiently.
Participants of the darting training program
This was participated by Veterinary Officers working with forest department, Zila Parishad, Forest Guards, RFOs, Range Forest Officers etc. from territorial as well as protected areas etc. Training program was funded by The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra, Nagpur.
Workshop on Peoples Biodiversity Register –The Maharashtra State BiodiversityBoard organised a Vidarbha level workshop regarding the formulation of the Biodiversity management committee and formulation of the Peoples Biodiversity Register. The workshop was organised for forest department staff, NGOs involved in the making of the Peoples Biodiversity Register on 23rd August, 2017 at Van Sabhagriha, Seminary hills, Nagpur.
Around 150 participants were present during the workshop. The trainees were informed about the mammals, reptiles and the methodology for preparation of the Peoples Biodiversity Register.
Also, it was emphasised that the Conservation Breeding Program is not just about the wild animals but it also extends to the rare indigenous species which are on the verge of extinction.
Our conservation strategies related to the conservation of the local gene pool or the conversation of the endangered / threatened species of flora, fauna, should focus on the systematic and scientific approach to obtain the desired goal.
Rescue training programs
At Sillari, Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra - Snake identification and wild animal rescue training program was organised at Sillari, Pench Tiger Reserve on 27th April 2017 in associates with Field Director, Pench Tiger Reserve hosted the event at the beautiful conference hall at Amaltas, Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra.
2017-18 - Dr. Bahar Baviskar, Veterinary Officer, The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra giving presentation during Biodiversity workshop Nagpur
The training was organised at the Conference hall, Amaltas, on 27th April 2017. Dr. Bahar Baviskar, Veterinarian Officer, The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra, Nagpur imparted training to 50 staff members of East Pench range, Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra.
Dr.Bahar Baviskar, Veterinary Officer at The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra and rescue experts from the Society for Wildlife Conservation, Education and Research, a conservation organisation from Nagpur trained the participants on various aspects of rescue operations. The field staff was briefed about the different species of snakes found in and around Nagpur, first aid for the injured wildlife and principles of the rescue and rehabilitation in detail. East Pench participants showed lots of interest and needed to be trained on a regular basis.
Printing calendars for 2018. Released at the hands of Hon’ble Minister (Finance, Planning & Forest) and widely distributed
Education
2017-18
Tranquilizing equipment maintenance and darting training program
Maintenance of equipment like the tranquiliser gun etc. and darting training program was organised by The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra and Gorewada Project, FDCM Ltd. The training program was organised on June 19th to 20th, 2017 at Gorewada Project, Katol Road, Nagpur.
Objective: The objective of the training program was to give hands-on training to the veterinarians working in the field conditions in different rescue operations and the field staff of the Maharashtra State Forest Department, so that they discharge their field duties effectively & efficiently.
Participants of the darting training program
This was participated by Veterinary Officers working with forest department, Zila Parishad, Forest Guards, RFOs, Range Forest Officers etc. from territorial as well as protected areas etc. Training program was funded by The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra, Nagpur.
Workshop on Peoples Biodiversity Register –The Maharashtra State BiodiversityBoard organised a Vidarbha level workshop regarding the formulation of the Biodiversity management committee and formulation of the Peoples Biodiversity Register. The workshop was organised for forest department staff, NGOs involved in the making of the Peoples Biodiversity Register on 23rd August, 2017 at Van Sabhagriha, Seminary hills, Nagpur.
Around 150 participants were present during the workshop. The trainees were informed about the mammals, reptiles and the methodology for preparation of the Peoples Biodiversity Register.
Also, it was emphasised that the Conservation Breeding Program is not just about the wild animals but it also extends to the rare indigenous species which are on the verge of extinction.
Our conservation strategies related to the conservation of the local gene pool or the conversation of the endangered / threatened species of flora, fauna, should focus on the systematic and scientific approach to obtain the desired goal.
Rescue training programs
At Sillari, Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra - Snake identification and wild animal rescue training program was organised at Sillari, Pench Tiger Reserve on 27th April 2017 in associates with Field Director, Pench Tiger Reserve hosted the event at the beautiful conference hall at Amaltas, Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra.
2017-18 - Dr. Bahar Baviskar, Veterinary Officer, The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra giving presentation during Biodiversity workshop Nagpur
The training was organised at the Conference hall, Amaltas, on 27th April 2017. Dr. Bahar Baviskar, Veterinarian Officer, The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra, Nagpur imparted training to 50 staff members of East Pench range, Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra.
Dr.Bahar Baviskar, Veterinary Officer at The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra and rescue experts from the Society for Wildlife Conservation, Education and Research, a conservation organisation from Nagpur trained the participants on various aspects of rescue operations. The field staff was briefed about the different species of snakes found in and around Nagpur, first aid for the injured wildlife and principles of the rescue and rehabilitation in detail. East Pench participants showed lots of interest and needed to be trained on a regular basis.
2017-18-Rescue Training Program
B. Field staff belonging to Pench Tiger Reserve was imparted training about wild animal rescue at Chorbahuli (20 trainees) as well as at Sillari (40 trainees).
C. Organized two days darting training program on 10-11th Jan 2018 from all Circles of Maharashtra for 10 Range Forest Officers, 4 Foresters and 3 Forest Guards at Gorewada Rescue Centre, Nagpur.
D. The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra, Nagpur helped Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (W), Nagpur in successful organisation of training programme act Vanamati, Nagpur, from dated 16 to 18 January, 2018 for the staff of rapid rescue teams. This was participated by Forest Guard of special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) from Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Veterinary Officers and also staff of Nagpur Territorial Division. A Total of 40 persons took participation in the training program.
E. As per direction of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Maharashtra State, Nagpur & Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), East, Nagpur a training programme for Rapid Rescue Team under the guidance of subject experts was held at Vanamati, Nagpur in two sessions. The First session was conducted from 25 to 26 Feb, 2018 and was participated by forest guards of Chandrapur and Gadchiroli Circles as well as forest guards of SFTP, TadobaAndhari Tiger Reserve and also the Veterinary Officers totalling to 40 participants. The Second session was conducted from 27 to 28 Feb, 2018 and was participated by forest guards of Dhule, Amravati and Yavatmal Circles as well as forest guards of SFTP, Melghat Tiger Reserve and also the Veterinary Officers totalling to 43 participants. This training programme was organised by The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra from funds received from Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), East, Nagpur.
Printing calendars for 2018. Released at the hands of Hon’ble Minister (Finance, Planning & Forest) and widely distributed
