Description:
International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) 2026 will be celebrated on 5–6 September 2026 at Van Vihar National Park & Zoo, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, through a collaborative initiative of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department. The programme aims to engage tourists, local visitors, school children, families and the general public in learning about vultures and their vital role as nature’s clean-up crew. The event will highlight the ecological importance of vultures, the major threats affecting their populations, ongoing conservation efforts, and the role that communities and individuals can play in protecting these important birds. Through interactive, educational and participatory activities, the programme seeks to create greater public awareness, encourage positive attitudes towards vultures and inspire people to actively support their conservation. Activities Planned Selfie with Vulture & Vulture Conservation Oath Visitors will be invited to take a selfie with a vulture-themed display and participate in the Vulture Conservation Oath, expressing their commitment to vulture conservation. “Wings of Hope” – Thumbprint Pledge Campaign Visitors will place their thumbprints on a pledge board after taking the Vulture Conservation Oath, symbolizing their personal commitment to protecting vultures. The campaign theme is “One Pledge Can Save a Species.” Inter-School Drawing and Painting Competition School children will participate in an art competition focusing on vultures, their ecological importance, threats and conservation. On-the-Spot Vulture Conservation Quiz An interactive quiz will engage visitors and children on vulture species, their ecological role, threats and conservation efforts. Prizes will be provided to encourage participation. Vulture Conservation Snake and Ladder Game A conservation-themed Snake and Ladder game will provide children and families with an entertaining way to learn about vultures, their role in ecosystems, threats such as poisoning and veterinary drugs, and conservation solutions. Vulture Conservation Awareness Display Educational displays, posters, leaflets, stickers and other information materials will be provided to visitors, highlighting vulture species, their ecological importance, population declines, threats, conservation breeding and ongoing conservation initiatives. Overall objective: To celebrate vultures, increase public understanding of their ecological importance, and encourage people to become active supporters of vulture conservation.