School kids mark World Turtle Day, call for conservation of endangered species
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 28 2026: World Turtle Day was observed at Manipur Zoological Garden (MZG), Iroisemba, on May 23, 2026, under the theme "Let Turtle Live, Let Nature Thrive, Protect Wildlife, Protect Our Future".

The programme was jointly organised by Manipur Zoological Garden (MZG) and Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India (TSAFI).

A total of 158 students and 10 teachers from Grace Academy, Tarung, joined hands with MZG and TSAFI to highlight the ecological importance of turtles, the threats they face, and the need for collective conservation action through educational and outreach activities.

School kids mark World Turtle Day

MZG Director L Biramongol Singh said that MZG and TSAFI have undertaken significant initiatives to conserve the critically endangered Asian Giant Tortoise in Manipur, under the guidance of PCCF & Chief Wildlife Warden Anurag Bajpai, and CCF (Wildlife) L Joykumar Singh.

He added that the zoo's successful conservation breeding programme aims to support eventual rewilding in suitable habitats, and noted that youth-focused awareness drives are vital to bolster future conservation and mitigate direct threats.

Talks and interactive sessions on turtle conservation, wildlife protection, and freshwater ecosystem safety were led by Dr L Saratchandra Singh, Veterinary Officer, MZG; Th Gyanic Singh, RFO, MZG; O Ambika Devi, Deputy Ranger, MZG; and Sanjenbam Joel Singh, Associate, TSAFI.

A pledge session led by Sanjenbam Joel Singh saw all participants vow to conserve non-marine chelonians in the region.

TSAFI Project Coordinator for Northeast India, Sushmita Kar, said turtles have existed since the Triassic era 220 million years ago but are now among the most threatened vertebrates.

She noted that despite Manipur's rich and unique populations of rare turtles, few initiatives target these non-charismatic species that keep the environment clean through scavenging and help regenerate forests via seed dispersal.