The National Zoological Park, New Delhi successfully completed its Summer Vacation Programme 2025 organised from 22 May to 5 June, on the occasion of World Environment Day. The programme was based on this year’s global theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution”, and was organised in collaboration with the National Museum of Natural History and the EIACP Programme Centre and Resource Partner at WWF-India.

World Environment Day is celebrated to create awareness about the environment. It is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and celebrated worldwide since 1973. This year, the focus was on the problem of plastic pollution and how we can all work together to solve it.

During the two-week programme, many activities were organised to teach children and the general public about the dangers of plastic pollution and its harmful effects on wildlife and nature. The programme included interactive sessions, workshops, competitions, awareness drives, and field-based learning activities. The aim was to encourage participants to follow eco-friendly habits in their daily lives.

The programme ended with a grand event on 5 June 2025 at the Education Centre of the Zoo. Around 390 people attended the event, including 150 students, teachers, parents, volunteers, EIACP staff, and zoo officials. A special guided zoo visit was arranged to help students connect more closely with wildlife.

An exhibition of creative work made by the students during the camp was also displayed. It showed their understanding of the environment and plastic pollution. Students shared their experiences in the form of poems, songs, and stories. They also spoke about what they learned from experts and from nature itself.

The highlight of the event was an interactive session with Dr. G. Areendran, Director and Coordinator, EIACP, MoEF&CC, and Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, Director, NZP. They appreciated the efforts of the students and gave away certificates and souvenirs to all participants.

Out of the 372 people who had registered for the programme, 238 took part regularly in all the activities. In addition, more than 4,500 zoo visitors were engaged through different events and awareness activities during the programme.

The Summer Vacation Programme 2025 ended on a positive note with light refreshments and happy memories for all participants. It helped spread awareness on protecting the environment and reducing plastic use.

***

VM/GS

Zoological Press Release