French Consul General’s office to support red panda conservation effort in Sikkim

GANGTOK, (IPR): The Ambassador of France to India, Thierry Mathou, visited Himalayan Zoological Park at Bulbuley today.

Dr. Pradeep Kumar, secretary-cum-PCCF, Forest and Environment department, and his team of officials, welcomed the French delegation, and provided insights into the ongoing projects and initiatives at the Himalayan Zoological Park and the Forest department. They also highlighted the ‘Mero Rukh, Mero Santati’ and ‘My Child from the Wild’ programmes of the State government.

'My Child from the Wild' is an animal adoption programme initiated by the Himalayan Zoological Park to involve people in forest conservation.

The Consul General’s office expressed a strong interest in contributing to Red Panda conservation efforts in collaboration with Center for Red Panda Research, which will be facilitated through the 'My Child from the Wild' programme at the park. It was communicated that the funds raised would be used to enhance the existing breeding center for red pandas.

The Center for Red Panda Research aims to enhance awareness regarding red panda conservation efforts and to secure funding for active participation in these initiatives within their natural habitats. The organisation will also serve as the nodal agency in this collaborative endeavour.

Mathou was joined by his spouse, Cecile Mathou, Didier Henri Andre Marie Talpain, the Consulate General of France in Kolkata, staff member Samuel Leo Bouchard and press and diplomatic liaison officer Anjita Roychaudhury. Members of Connaître et Protéger le Panda Roux (CPPR), an organization dedicated to conserving Red Pandas, were also present.