The National Wildlife Week is celebrated in India every year from October 2 to October 8, with the aim of raising awareness about wildlife conservation and the importance of biodiversity

The Wildlife Week 2024 initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and various wildlife organisations across the country

The week is commemorated to educate citizens about the significance of wildlife and the need for its conservation, involve communities in wildlife protection initiatives and foster a sense of responsibility towards nature and highlight India's rich biodiversity and the role it plays in ecological balance

Across the country, initiatives such as nature walks, safaris, workshops, seminars, awareness campaigns and school events on this occasion

The Byculla zoo also organises several events for school kids

Established in 1861, the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo, commonly known as Byculla Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in India

Spanning over 53 acres, the zoo is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a vital part of the city’s ecological and cultural landscape

 The zoo collaborates with various wildlife organisations to promote conservation awareness and has initiated breeding programmes for endangered species

On Wednesday, school students were seen engrossed in unleashing their creativity and sketching their ideas on wildlife 

The Wildlife Week underscores the importance of protecting endangered species 

Several students across Mumbai schools enthusiastically participated in the competition despite it being a holiday on October 2 

Students sketched several endangered species as well as India's wildlife during the event