Author: smartweb

We are honored to introduce the Dr. Vaidyanathan Krishnamurthy Memorial Award, celebrating exemplary contributions to the field of “Elephant Health Management.”

Dr. Vaidyanathan Krishnamurthy (1929–2002), popularly known as Dr. K, the “Elephant Man” or “Elephant Doctor” (யானை டாக்டர்), was an iconic Indian veterinarian, conservationist, and elephant expert. Over a distinguished career, he governed the renowned Mudumalai and Theppakadu elephant camps, revolutionizing elephant care and conservation in India.

A graduate of Madras Veterinary College (1951) and recipient of a P.G. Diploma in Animal Husbandry from IVRI (1966), Dr. Krishnamurthy was a pioneer in the establishment of Elephant Rejuvenation Camps, a system that has become a cornerstone of captive elephant welfare. His expertise extended to capturing 160 wild elephants, rearing 70 elephant calves in captivity, and training professionals in elephant conservation and management.

As a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Asian Elephant Specialist Group, Dr. Krishnamurthy was a global authority on elephant conservation. His extensive writings on conservation and elephant physiology continue to inspire and guide efforts in this critical field. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, he was honored with the Venu Menon Life-Time Achievement Award in 2001 Shri R. Venkataraman, Former President of India.

This award serves as a tribute to Dr. Krishnamurthy’s enduring legacy and aims to recognize outstanding achievements in elephant health and conservation.

The Dr. B.M. Arora Memorial Award for “Veterinary Excellence in Zoo Animal Health,” honors the legacy of one of India’s most distinguished wildlife veterinarians and academicians.

Born on August 15, 1942, Dr. Bal Mukund Arora dedicated over five decades of his life to advancing the fields of wildlife health and conservation. A visionary leader, Dr. Arora pioneered numerous initiatives, including the establishment of India’s first National Diploma in Zoo & Wildlife Management at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, in 1995. As the Director of the National Zoological Park, New Delhi, and Head of the Centre for Wildlife Conservation at IVRI, he made significant contributions to captive wildlife healthcare, research, and management.

Dr. Arora’s illustrious career includes serving on esteemed national and international platforms such as IUCN’s Species Survival Commission and the Central Zoo Authority. His founding of the Association of Indian Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians in 1991 cemented his legacy as a trailblazer in zoo and wildlife veterinary sciences. With over 100 research publications and 10 books, his work on wildlife breeding, nutrition, disease surveillance, and health monitoring continues to inspire generations of veterinarians and conservationists.

This award is a tribute to Dr. Arora’s tireless commitment to wildlife research, education, and conservation, and it aims to recognize exemplary contributions in zoo animal health and welfare.

The Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Wildlife Health and Management is a prestigious honour bestowed upon an individual who has made significant and lasting contributions to the field of wildlife health and management. This award recognizes a lifetime of dedication, passion, and commitment to advancing the understanding, conservation medicine, and health management of wildlife populations and ecosystem conservation. The recipient of this award has to have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and expertise, and made a profound impact in the field

through their research, teaching, and service. Their work would have improved our understanding of wildlife health, behavior, and ecology, and informed effective conservation and management strategies. The recipient must also have mentored and inspired countless students, colleagues, and professionals, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the field for generations to come. 

The Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Wildlife Health and Management is a testament to the recipient’s tireless efforts, unwavering commitment, and outstanding contributions to the field. It serves as a celebration of their achievements and a recognition of their enduring impact on the world of wildlife health and management. By honouring individuals who have made such significant contributions, this award aims to inspire future generations of wildlife professionals, promote excellence in the field, and acknowledge the critical importance of wildlife health and management in maintaining healthy ecosystems and conserving biodiversity.