The 44th Foundation Day celebration of Manipur Zoological Garden was held under the aegis of Wildlife Wing of the State Forest Department at its existing location at Iroisemba near Imphal on Friday.
Manipur forest minister Awangbow Newmai, along with a host of other dignitaries attended the daylong celebration.
Manipur Zoological Garden at Iroisemba was categorised as a medium zoo by the Central Zoo Authority was established on October 2, 1976.
Stating that Manipur Zoological Garden is home to a number of rare and endangered species which are endemic to the region and many of them are included in the Schedule I and Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Some of the important animals at the zoo include Sangai, Hoolock gibbon, Clouded Leopard, Leopard cat, Nongin, Griffon vulture, and reticulated python among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Forest Minister Awangbow stressed on the importance of animals rights for peaceful co-existence between humans and animals.
He said the department has been trying to expand the area of the Manipur Zoological Garden and assured that the department will find ways and means for the expansion process.
Stating that the department will try to find a second home for the endangered animals kept in the Manipur Zoological Garden, he said that good plans initiated by his predecessor will be continued.
Lauding the department’s officials at the Manipur Zoological Garden, he said that the Forest department is continuously raising awareness among the people, especially those dwelling in the forest about the importance of afforestation and animals.
Earlier Manipur Zoological Garden campus was cleaned and planted saplings of the fruit-bearing trees.