Conference Day 3

Visit to the Animal Welfare Centre

Day 3 took the delegates to Vantara Animal Welfare Centre, where the experience was as much about empathy and awareness as it was about animals. The visit encouraged students to reflect on the fragile conflict and balance between humans, animals, and nature, and helped them recognise the importance of coexistence.

Delegates observed elephants receiving medical care at the hospital, hydrotherapy, and training facilities. While the animals displayed resilience, the scars they carried reminded students of the harsh realities of man-animal conflict and the urgent need for compassion in conservation.

From the quiet gaze of wild cats to the unease of bears and reptiles rescued from dire conditions, delegates saw how rehabilitation restores not just health but dignity. This left them reflecting on the responsibility humans have in repairing the damage caused by exploitation.

As they moved through enclosures for herbivores, primates, and even the African Savannah animals, a common theme emerged: human progress has too often come at the expense of coexistence with other species.

The dialogue with naturalist Sandesh Guru reinforced these lessons. His insights on man-animal conflict gave students a deeper understanding of how the conference theme connects directly to real-world challenges. The session also included a lively Q&A, where delegates asked questions and shared reflections, making the experience more engaging and meaningful.

Planting saplings and walking through the forest offered delegates a sense of personal connection to nature. This was the action element of the conference, undertaken as part of an effort to rewild the green belt. In those quiet steps, students were reminded that their role is not to dominate the environment but to protect and nurture it.

The visit was a powerful and emotional experience that reshaped how delegates viewed conservation. They left with a renewed sense of responsibility, understanding that harmony — not conflict — must define the relationship between man, animal, and nature. As one quote captured it:“There’s no WiFi in the forest, but we promise you will find a better connection.”