Wildlife conservation doesn't happen in isolation — it thrives when communities, students, and professionals unite with a shared purpose. At Sardar Patel Zoological Park, education isn't just a program; it's the heartbeat of everything we do.
In 2024-25, SPZP welcomed 1,023,981 visitors, conducted 74 keeper talks, led 25 dawn bird-watching walks, and trained 286 veterinary students — transforming the park into western India's most active hub for conservation literacy.
Training the Next Generation of Wildlife Veterinarians
Every week, a new batch of veterinary students from Kamdhenu University arrives at SPZP for intensive one-week internships. These aren't passive observations — they're immersive experiences where students:
- Assist in surgeries — from routine health checks to emergency procedures
- Learn diagnostic imaging — X-rays, ultrasounds, and laboratory analysis
- Practice wildlife medicine — treating everything from big cats to birds
- Study necropsy protocols — understanding animal health through post-mortem examinations
Over the year, 22 batches rotated through the program, gaining real-world skills that textbooks simply can't teach.
Student Testimonial
"Watching a rhino willingly open its mouth for dental care changed how I see veterinary medicine. It's not about dominance — it's about trust."
— Veterinary intern, Kamdhenu University
Zoo Management & Zoology Internships
Beyond veterinary training, SPZP collaborates with:
- Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda — 19-day zoology summer internships
- Gujarat University — research-focused internships in animal cognition and enrichment
- Life Science Education Trust (international) — 13-day zoo management programs
Students engage in:
- Enclosure design — learning habitat principles
- Animal nutrition — planning species-specific diets
- Behavioral observation — tracking activity patterns
- Enrichment creation — building puzzle feeders and sensory devices
- Docent training — public engagement and storytelling
Global Expertise, Local Impact
SPZP's partnership with the Life Science Education Trust brings international experts directly to Gujarat. In 2024-25, workshops included:
- Lubos Tomiska (Czech Republic) — Parrot nutrition and bird handling
- Andrew Beer (UK) — Exhibit horticulture and foraging enrichment
- Frantisek Juna (Czech Republic) — Reptile husbandry and insect breeding
- Simon Degenhard (Australia) — Conservation breeding techniques
- Mark de Klein (Netherlands) — Softbill bird management
These sessions upskilled not just interns, but SPZP's entire curatorial, veterinary, and keeper staff.
Public Education: Making Every Visit Count
Education at SPZP extends beyond classrooms:
Keeper Talks (74 conducted)
At scheduled times throughout the day, keepers demonstrate:
- Feeding behaviors — explaining natural hunting strategies
- Enrichment activities — showing how puzzles stimulate minds
- Conservation status — discussing threats facing each species
Dawn Bird-Watching Walks (25 conducted)
Led by zoo naturalists, these early-morning experiences introduced visitors to:
- 112 bird species documented within zoo premises
- Binocular techniques for wildlife observation
- Habitat identification — understanding ecosystem diversity
Conservation Observance Days (37 celebrated)
From World Tiger Day to International Rhino Day, each event featured:
- Art competitions for children
- Sapling plantation drives
- Expert lectures on species protection
- Interactive games and quizzes
Research That Matters
Student research at SPZP isn't theoretical — it drives real change:
- Carbon Footprint Assessment — identifying emission reduction strategies
- Visitor Experience Studies — improving exhibit design for both animals and guests
- Animal Cognition Research — testing problem-solving in sambar deer
- Enrichment Effectiveness — measuring behavioral welfare improvements
6+ peer-reviewed papers were published by students and staff during the year, contributing to global zoological science.
Community Volunteer Program
Local residents engage as:
- Docents — guiding visitors in Gujarati, Hindi, and English
- Conservation ambassadors — spreading wildlife awareness in villages
- Tree planting volunteers — contributing to habitat restoration
During Wildlife Week and Zoo Week, a 10-member volunteer corps guided thousands of visitors, translating complex conservation concepts into accessible stories.
The Ripple Effect
Every intern trained, every child inspired, every visitor engaged creates a ripple:
- Veterinary students become wildlife practitioners across India
- Zoology graduates pursue conservation careers
- Families return home with newfound respect for nature
- Communities advocate for coexistence with wildlife
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Impact
SPZP is launching:
- Junior Ranger Programs for children ages 7-12
- Teacher training workshops for school educators
- Virtual internship opportunities for remote learners
- Conservation film screenings and speaker series
Join the Movement
Whether you're a student seeking hands-on experience, a teacher planning a field trip, or a community member passionate about wildlife — SPZP has a place for you.
Contact us to learn about internship opportunities, volunteer programs, and educational resources.
Together, we're not just visiting a zoo — we're building a conservation movement.
