KATHMANDU: The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) on Monday marked the 30th anniversary of its management of the Central Zoo, highlighting three decades of progress in wildlife care, conservation education and institutional stewardship.

The anniversary programme was attended by Minister for Forests and Environment Madhav Prasad Chaulagain as chief guest. Other prominent attendees included Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan, Acting Chairperson of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission Juddha Bahadur Gurung, and Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) Dr Buddhi Sagar Paudel. The programme was chaired by NTNC Member Secretary Dr Naresh Subedi.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of a commemorative publication titled “30 Years of Central Zoo Management,” documenting the zoo’s evolution and its role in ex-situ conservation in Nepal. Former zoo directors Radha Krishna Shrestha and Sarita Jnawali were felicitated in recognition of their foundational contributions.

The ceremony also honoured conservationists Indra Raj Bhattarai and Birendra Gautam, as well as Shankar Lal Tharu, a staff member of the Central Zoo, for their service to wildlife conservation. In addition, members of the Friends of Zoo (FOZ) were awarded for their achievements in an on-the-spot poem writing and recitation competition, aimed at promoting conservation awareness.

Speaking on the occasion, NTNC officials said the organisation would continue to align the Central Zoo’s management with international best practices in animal welfare, conservation and public education.

NTNC expressed gratitude to partner institutions and supporters for their long-standing collaboration and reiterated its commitment to strengthening wildlife stewardship in the years ahead.