World Turtle Day observed in Nagaland

Dimapur, May 24 (MExN): the Nagaland Zoological Park (NZP) and Turtle Survival Alliance India (TSA India) celebrated World Turtle Day at NZP auditorium on May 24.

 As a part of the celebration, art and crafts competition, open quiz and exposure visit to Nagaland Zoological Park Asian Giant Tortoise enclosure were conducted, stated a press release received here. NZP invited 70 students and faculties from Eden Higher Secondary School, Westside School, Pilgrim Higher Secondary School and Logdrum Higher Secondary School and five people from Eco Warriors, Nagaland to participate in these activities. Winners were awarded and all the participants were given certificates. 

The programme was inaugurated by Dr C Zupeni Tsanglai, IFS, Director, NZP. Tokaho Kinimi, IFS, Wildlife Warden, Dimapur graced the occasion as the guest of honour and emphasized on students' participation in conservation activities.

Vinoto K Rochill, Forester I, NZP and Johnny Tep Rengma, Forest Guard, Wildlife Division were felicitated and recognized as 'Turtle Warrior' by TSA India and NZP for their dedication service towards turtle conservation in the region. 

Sushmita Kar, Northeast Project Officer, TSA India said, “Vinoto K Rochill took huge interest in initiating the conservation breeding of Asian Giant Tortoises, a joint project of NZP and TSA India for 5 years. In 2018, he dedicated all his time to take care of the first ever batch of artificially incubated eggs, and 10 hatchlings out of them are still surviving. Whereas, Johnny Tep Rengma has been tirelessly assisting our team in all kinds of field surveys and community interactions within Wokha district, and takes equal interest in building a better future for these tortoises in need.”

The programme was organized and attended by the entire NZP team.