Chhatbir (Gurpreet Singh): M. C. Zoological Park in Chhatbir commemorated International Tiger Day 2026 on Wednesday with a series of educational programs, awareness sessions, and contests aimed at promoting the conservation of wild tigers. Organized around the global imperative to safeguard tiger habitats, the initiatives sought to inform visitors and students about the severe ecological challenges facing the species. A key feature of the celebration was an awareness session titled “Their Roar Keeps the Forest Alive,” which brought together zoo visitors, school and college students, and prominent conservation advocates.
During the event, Punjab State Information Commissioner Harpreet Sandhu released an official tiger conservation poster at the Tiger Complex in the presence of Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Satinder Kumar Sagar IFS, Field Director Nalin Yadav IFS, and zoo personnel. Addressing the gathering, Sandhu highlighted the tiger’s role as India’s National Animal and a critical indicator of forest health, stressing that protecting apex predators is essential for preserving broader biodiversity and ecosystem stability. He urged students to act as wildlife ambassadors, framing the tiger’s roar as a collective call to safeguard natural habitats.
A separate sensitization session was conducted featuring Public Relations Officer and Wildlife Education Officer Harpal Singh, Chhat Government High School Principal Malti Sachdeva, Coordinator Teacher Sushma, and wildlife enthusiast Dr. Sidhartha Sharma. Discussions focused on ecosystem balance, India’s current tiger population, and ongoing challenges such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Speakers underscored the importance of community involvement, while participants engaged in interactive sessions regarding tiger biology, behaviour, and habitat needs.
Recalling the origin of Global Tiger Day, Satinder Kumar Sagar IFS noted that the observance was established during the 2010 Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia, where tiger-range nations committed to the TX2 goal of doubling wild tiger populations by 2022. Reinforcing this message, Field Director Nalin Yadav IFS stated that the initiative aims to expand wild habitats globally, describing the tiger as a symbol of bravery, strength, and national pride. Additionally, zoo staff presented an acrostic interpretation of the word “TIGERS” to encourage proactive public involvement in wildlife protection.
