Nandankanan observes World Elephant Day

Bhubaneswar: Celebrations began at the Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) here after elephants of the zoo came out with decorated robes and mingled with the people marking World Elephant Day today.

Like every year, the zoo authorities decorated seven elephants including Gouri and Kamala with special apparels and offered a variety of fruits to the jumbos.

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Similarly, Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary authorities near Chandaka have also made special arrangements for the day.

Earlier, the elephants were given annual treats during the wildlife week celebration (first week of October). However, the state government last year decided to follow the practice of observing the International Elephant Day on August 12 annually.

World Elephant Day is an international event dedicated to the preservation and protection of elephants and celebrated across the globe to spread awareness among people and raise sympathy for the mammal.