Bhubaneswar, Aug 12: World Elephant Day was observed at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday with a series of awareness and conservation programmes, including elephant enrichment activities, a quiz competition, storytelling and the felicitation of mahouts.

The celebration began with the zoo’s four elephants being bathed and decorated. Visitors and guests offered fruits and other food items such as coconuts, apples, bananas, watermelon, maize and sugarcane.

Nandankanan currently houses four female elephants—two-year-old Lisa, three-year-old Asha, 28-year-old Hira and 62-year-old Basanti.

As part of the event, mahouts were felicitated for their contribution to elephant care and management. A keepers’ talk was also organised to educate visitors and students about elephant behaviour, care and conservation.

A quiz competition involving students from different schools and visitors was another major attraction. Participants who answered correctly were felicitated, while mahouts who performed well in the competition were also honoured.

The zoo also organised a signature campaign, storytelling and origami sessions. A movie screening was held at the zoo library and digital hub, along with a photo session featuring an elephant-themed frame.

The activities aimed to engage visitors, students and wildlife enthusiasts while spreading awareness about elephant conservation and the need to protect their natural habitats. World Elephant Day is observed every year to highlight the threats faced by elephants and promote their conservation.