Hyderabad Zoo marks International Tiger Day with VIPs School’s adoption of white tiger Dhruva

Hyderabad: Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad observed International Tiger Day with a series of events aimed at promoting tiger conservation, today, on July 29, 2025.

The day began with a plantation drive led by M. Barnoba, Deputy Curator of the zoo. Barnoba, along with zoo staff, planted saplings of Juvvi, Marri, and Raavi trees to support the park’s environmental efforts.

In a significant gesture of wildlife support, VIPs International School, Hyderabad, adopted the zoo’s majestic white tiger, Dhruva, for a one-year period. Dr. Mujtaba Khan, Managing Director of VIPs Educational Society, presented a cheque of Rs. 3,00,000 (Three Lakh Rupees) for Dhruva’s care. This contribution will cover the tiger’s feeding and upkeep for the next year. Over 500 students from various VIPs schools participated in the adoption ceremony, held at the tiger enclosure.

The adoption event was followed by a rally organized by the zoo, aimed at raising awareness about tiger conservation. More than 500 students, along with school staff and principals, marched from the zoo’s main entrance to the tiger enclosure, chanting slogans in support of tiger preservation.

Ch. Deepak Tarun, ZEO of Nehru Zoological Park, led several keeper talks throughout the day at the tiger enclosure. These sessions provided educational insights to around 1,000 visitors and students on the importance of tiger habitat conservation.

The event was attended by key zoo officials, including M.A. Hakeem, Deputy Director (Veterinary); Laxman, Assistant Curator-3; Madhavilatha, Deputy Range Officer; Devender Dasiya, Deputy Range Officer; and Venkat Rao, FSO, all of whom played an important role in ensuring the success of the day's events.