The vibrant city of Pune is set to host an engaging and educational experience for its young nature enthusiasts. The third edition of the Wildlife Festival for Kids will unfold on Saturday, January 10, offering a unique platform dedicated to fostering a love for wildlife and conservation among children.
A Tadoba-Themed Immersive Experience
This year's festival carries a special theme, focusing entirely on the majestic Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. The event, scheduled from 4 pm to 9 pm at Bougainvillea Farms on DP Road, is a collaborative effort by the city-based organizations Jungle Belles and the Nature Walk Charitable Trust. It is designed to move beyond traditional classroom learning, providing interactive exposure through real-life stories, films, and field experiences.
"There is a large community in Pune that frequents jungle safaris, and Tadoba holds a special place in their hearts. It attracts numerous tiger enthusiasts from the city every year. The tigers of Tadoba are a constant topic of discussion, which inspired us to dedicate this edition to a Tadoba special," explained Hemangi Vartak, founder of Jungle Belles. She emphasized that the core objective is sensitizing young minds towards the protection of wildlife and the conservation of forests.
Expert Sessions and Captivating Stories
The evening will commence with an introductory film on Tadoba by renowned wildlife filmmaker Nalla Muthu, setting the stage for deeper conversations. A key session will be led by Kushagra Pathak, Deputy Director in charge of buffer zones at Tadoba. He will address the complex challenge of coexistence, detailing how buffer zones—home to over 2 lakh people and approximately 200 tigers—are managed and how community participation is vital for sustaining wildlife corridors.
Storytelling forms a major pillar of the festival. Author Anant Sonwane will host a session revolving around Maya, one of Tadoba's most iconic tigresses who died in 2023. Attendees will also hear first-hand accounts from Dr. Ravikant Khobragade, the reserve's veterinary officer, who has been involved in the rescue and capture of more than 60 tigers. Furthermore, wildlife filmmaker Sumesh Lekhi will present his Tiger Legacy film series, tracing the lineage of Tadoba's famous big cats.
Unique Performances and Institutional Support
A definite highlight promises to be a live performance by Sumedh Waghmare, celebrated as the Birdman of Tadoba for his incredible ability to mimic the calls of over 200 birds and animals. This blend of education and entertainment aims to leave a lasting impression on the children.
The festival enjoys significant institutional backing from the Pune Forest Division and the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). This support has helped assemble a diverse group of participants, including forest officials, authors, filmmakers, and conservation practitioners, all united in the mission to ignite a passion for nature in the next generation.
