Imphal: World Turtle Day was observed at Manipur Zoological Garden (MZG), Iroisemba, Imphal, under the theme “Let Turtle Live, Let Nature Thrive, Protect Wildlife, Protect Our Future”. The programme was jointly organized by Manipur Zoological Garden (MZG) and Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India (TSAFI).

On 23rd May, 2026, a total of 158 students and 10 teachers from Grace Academy, Tarung, Imphal, participated and joined hands with MZG and TSAFI highlighting the ecological importance of turtles, threats faced by them, and the need for collective conservation action through various educational and outreach activities.

L. Biramongol Singh, IFS, Director, MZG quoted, “The Manipur Zoological Garden and TSAFI have undertaken significant initiatives to conserve the critically endangered Asian Giant Tortoise in Manipur under the able guidance of Anurag Bajpai, IFS, PCCF & HoFF and Chief Wildlife Warden, Manipur and L. Joykumar Singh, IFS, CCF, Wildlife, Manipur.

The successful conservation breeding programme going on at the Zoo is intended to support the species’ eventual rewilding in suitable habitats. Such awareness and capacitybuilding programmes targeting youth are very important expected to bolster future conservation initiatives and mitigate direct threats to the species”.

As part of the event, Dr. L. Saratchandra Singh, Veterinary Officer, MZG; Th. Gyanic Singh, Range Forest Officer, MZG; O. Ambika Devi, Deputy Ranger, MZG; and Sanjenbam Joel Singh, Associate of TSAFI, delivered talks and conducted interactive sessions on turtle conservation, wildlife protection, and the importance of safeguarding freshwater ecosystems.

A pledge session was also led by and Sanjenbam Joel Singh where all the participants pledged and vouched for the conservation of non-marine chelonians in the region. Sushmita Kar, Project Coordinator, Northeast India, TSAFI said, “Turtles are ancient, living since 220 million years ago or the Triassic era but are one of the most threatened vertebrates today.

Although Manipur has very rich and unique populations of rare turtles, very limited conservation initiatives have been taken for these non-charismatic species who help to keep the environment clean through scavenging and regenerate forests through seed dispersal”.