Patna: At a time when wildlife habitats are facing growing pressure, Bihar needs greater public participation in protecting its biodiversity, speakers said at the closing ceremony of Wildlife Week 2026 at Patna Zoo on Thursday.Wildlife Week is observed from Oct 2 to 8 to create awareness about wildlife conservation and protection of natural habitats. Patna Zoo organised a series of awareness, educational and public participation programmes during the week.Bihar State Biodiversity Board chairman and chief guest Bharat Jyoti said Bihar was rich in biodiversity and every species played an important role in maintaining ecological balance. He said wildlife conservation was not merely about protecting animals and birds but also safeguarding biodiversity, the environment and the future of generations to come.Additional principal chief conservator of forests-cum-chief wildlife warden Abhay Kumar highlighted the state’s natural wealth, including the Ganga and Gandak rivers, Valmiki Tiger Reserve, wetlands and other natural habitats supporting a wide range of species. He called for greater public participation in protecting wildlife and their habitats.Patna Zoo director Hemant Patil said programmes during the week included expert lectures on snake identification and conservation, human-wildlife interaction and mammals, elephant behaviour and ecology, Gangetic dolphin conservation and bird conservation.During the closing ceremony, noted veterinarian Dr A A Khan was honoured for his contribution to wildlife health management at Patna Zoo since its inception. Winners of a wildlife quiz competition were also felicitated.Experts from Bihar Veterinary College and Patna Zoo animal keepers were honoured for their contribution to wildlife management.Among those present were additional principal chief conservator of forests, work planning, training and extension Surendra Singh; regional chief conservator of forests, Muzaffarpur S Sudhakar; chief conservator of forests, administration and human resource development Amit Kumar; regional chief conservator of forests, Patna Neshamani K; and other forest department and zoo officials and staff.
