Tread on the greener side of Mumbai this National Wildlife Week (October 2 to 8) with trails, birdwatching sessions, and educational plays
White-throated Kingfisher. FILE PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
It feels almost like a serendipitous tribute to the late Jane Goodall that Mumbai has woken up today with a newfound enthusiasm to celebrate National Wildlife Week (October 2-8). In the spirit of the occasion, several green organisations including the Mumbai Zoo, Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Coastal Conservation Foundation, Naturalist Explorers, and the Maharashtra Forest Department are joining forces to offer engaging ways to explore their local ecosystem. Here are our top picks you simply can’t miss.
TILL October 7
LOG ON TO @sanjaygandhinationalpark; @themumbaizoo
ENTRY Free (RSVP mandatory; zoo and park entry fees apply)
Is that a bird?
With the monsoon easing, the forests of SGNP’s North Division come alive with bird calls. Head out for a birdwatching walk with naturalist Prathamesh Desai and you might just spot commons species like White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Pitta, Bulbuls, and other feathered residents.
ON October 7; 8 am
AT Nisarga Parichay Kendra, SGNP, Yeoor.
CALL 9325693451 (registration mandatory)
Play and learn
A wildlife play previously staged by Vanyvani. PIC COURTESY/VANYAVANI
Witness a moving tribute to the late wildlife conservationist Maruti Chitampalli performed through a theatre production by naturalist group Vanyavani. Expect to learn about native species in a series of stories inspired by Chitampalli’s celebrated writings.
ON October 5; 5 pm
AT Auditorium, Mumbai Zoo, Byculla East.
Kokedama calling
A participants moulds a kokedama. PIC COURTESY/NATURALIST EXPLORERS
Learn how to make your own Japanese kokedama (moss balls) from experts of the Naturalist Explorers community. Often dubbed the simpler version of the bonsai practice, kokedama balls are hardy, eye-catching creations that can make the ideal keepsake from the celebrations.
ON October 6; 11.30 am
AT Conference Hall, Mumbai Zoo, Byculla East.
Play your part
Lend a hand in the Chota Kashmir garden clean-up at Aarey. This sprawling garden, filled with blossoming flowers and majestic trees, is home to macrofauna that needs your help in keeping the garden habitable.
ON October 7; 7 am
MEETING POINT Chota Kashmir, Mali Nagar, Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon East.
CALL 8356051577 (registration mandatory)
Expert advice
Sanjay Tripathi and Nikhil Bhopale
Join a panel discussion with some of the leading voices in wildlife conservation, and explore the latest advancements in the field. The panel includes Kanchan Pawar, Divisional Forest Officer, South Konkan, Dr Nikhil Bhopale of Green Works Trust, and Dr Sanjay Tripathi, Director of Mumbai Zoo.
ON October 7; 3 pm
AT Auditorium, Mumbai Zoo, Byculla East.
Pool time
Bombay Dorid sea slug. PIC COURTESY/SACHIN RANE
Step into the tidepools with marine conservationist Pradip Patade of the Coastal Conservation Foundation. Beneath the seemingly plain rocky shores, lies a fascinating world of marine life, including the elusive Bombay Dorid sea slug (Goniobranchus bombayanus).
ON October 6; 4.30 pm
AT Haji Ali (exact location revealed on registration)
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