Dr. Bal Mukund Arora (1942–2021)
Dr. Bal Mukund Arora, born on August 15, 1942, was a distinguished wildlife veterinarian and academician with a career spanning over five decades. After earning his Master’s in Veterinary Medicine from Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya in 1969 and a Ph.D. from Punjab Agricultural University in 1976, Dr. Arora devoted his life to advancing wildlife health and conservation.
As Principal Scientist and Head of the Centre for Wildlife Conservation at IVRI, Bareilly, he pioneered wildlife research, teaching, and training initiatives, including introducing India’s first National Diploma in Zoo & Wildlife Management in 1995. During his tenure as Director of the National Zoological Park, New Delhi (1990–1993), he was deeply involved with the captive wildlife healthcare and management.
Dr. Arora has served on national and international bodies, including IUCN’s Species Survival Commission and the Central Zoo Authority. He founded the Association of Zoo & Wildlife Veterinarians in 1991, which flourished under his leadership. With over 100 research publications and 10 books, he has contributed significantly to studies on wildlife breeding, nutrition, disease surveillance, and health monitoring.
A recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, Dr. Arora continues to inspire several generation of veterinarians through his dedication to wildlife research, veterinary education, and conservation.
Dr Vaidyanathan Krishnamurthy (1926-2002)
Born on 19th June 1926, he graduated from Madras Veterinary College in 1951 and later earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Husbandry from IVRI, Izatnagar, in 1966. A recipient of the prestigious Venu Menon Lifetime Achievement Award, presented Shri R. Venkataraman, former President of India, on 19th February 2001, he was honored for his outstanding contributions to elephant conservation and animal welfare. With 26 years of service in the Tamil Nadu Forest Department (TNFD), he captured 160 wild elephants using both conventional and drug immobilization techniques and successfully delivered, weaned, and reared 70 elephant calves in captivity. He pioneered the system of Temple Elephant Rejuvenation Camps, trained professionals in elephant conservation and management, and authored articles on conservation and elephant physiology. His efforts have established him as a trailblazer in the field of elephant conservation..
Dr Radhakrishna Kaimal (1930- 2014)
Dr.K.Radhakrishna Kaimal, former Professor and Head of Dept. of Anatomy and Dean, Veterinary College, Mannuthy and one of the renowned elephant experts of the country, was born on 18th,January,1930. Dr.Kaimal had took his B.V.Sc. degree in 1956 from Madras Veterinary College, Chennai and joined the state AH Dept as a Veterinary Surgeon in 1956. Dr.Kaimal joined veterinary College, Mannuthy as a lecturer in 1958, took his M.V.Sc. degree in Anatomy in 1963 and was made Professor and Head of Dept.of Anatomy in 1968. He was made the Dean of the Faculty in 1985 in which position he continued till his retirement in 1990. Since his retirement, Dr.Kaimal functioned as Honorary/Consultant Veterinary Officer in Guruvayur Devaswam and Cochin Devaswam Board till 2014. His career as a veterinary professional, a teacher-scientist and an expert of par excellence in the treatment and tranquilization of elephants that spanned over a period of over 58 years is unmatched. An ardent lover of elephants , a dedicated teacher and a committed clinician, Dr. Kaimal , together with his colleagues Dr.K.C.Panicker and Dr.Jacob Cheeran, could carve out a niche in the realm of treating and tranquilizing of elephants and set a record tranquilizing about 670 elephants in Kerala state & outside. His involvement in organizing the transport of (34) elephants in train to New Delhi for the cultural pageantry in the inaugural function of Asiad Games in 1982 was a unique feat.
Dr.Kaimal has involved himself in organizing several ‘Gaja melas’ in connection with cultural and religious functions in the state for Kerala Tourism and outside.These activities, besides his involvements in the treatment and tranquilizationof elephants bear testimony to the passion and commitment Dr.Kaimal had towards the cause of elephants and to their projection as a cultural icon of Kerala. In recognition of his meritorious service and achievements in the field of elephant treatment and tranquilization the Kerala Agricultural University had awarded Good service entry to Dr. Kaimal. He has associated himself with various Mahut Training Programmes for Kerala Forest Department. As a University Teacher and Scientist Dr. Kaimal had guided several students for their Post-Graduate Degrees in Anatomy and published several research papers,many of them on the topics related to Elephants . Dr.Kaimal will be remembered as a great kerala veterinarian who dedicated himself for the cause of Captive and Wild elephants for their treatment, care and control.
Dr L. N Acharjyo
The grand old man of Indian wildlife healthcare, having unique distinction of initiation and systematic study of pathology of wildlife disease in the country in the last six decades. Dr Acharjyo is with a Bachelor degree (BVSc) in Veterinary Science and Master degree (MVSc) in Veterinary Pathology along with Certificate course in ‘Healthcare and disease Management of Wildlife in Captivity and Free-living state’. He has recently been awarded honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) degree in recognition of his long years of treating wild animals and scientific papers published the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneshwar (India).
He has a meritorious thirty plus years of experience as Zoo Veterinarian in Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneshwar. Edited all eight issues of Indian Zoo Year Books (volume I to VIII) between 1996 to 2014 and co-edited ‘Compendium of Publications from Indian Zoos (Volume I, II and III)’. He has more than 250 research papers in reputed Journals to his credit on Reproductive Biology, Behavior Biology and Captive Management of Wild Animals, in addition to around same number of research papers on his main research interest i.e. Pathology of Wildlife Disease which has brought about awareness of the role of diseases in the productive dynamics of wildlife.
Widely awarded for his path breaking works in the field of wildlife pathology and healthcare including ‘International Man of the Millennium and International Man of the year (1999-2000) Award’ of International Biographic Centre, Cambridge, England. He is life member of over a dozen scientific societies/associations including membership of Technical Committee and various Expert Groups of Central Zoo Authority for many years. He has also been member of the Odisha State Wildlife Board twice.
Dr. K. Chandrashekhara Panicker
Dr. K.C. Panicker mostly known as ‘Anapanicker’ worked towards the conservation of elephants for more than 45 years He had done a lot of research in the field of the common ailments and treatments of elephants. He is the first one who scientifically classified the treatments of the elephants and these research captured the attraction of the world. He worked as a Professor and Head, Dept. of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Kerala Agricultural University. As elephant disease management expert in Kerala, he saved lives of lot of elephants. He was the Secretary of the Elephant welfare association, Thrissur. He had tranquilized 500 musth elephants. In this world record he got commendable help from his colleagues Dr. Radhakrishna Kaimal and Dr. Jacob V Cheeran. He is the author of the book ‘Aana Kathayum Karyavum’ the book is a reference book for elephants in Malayalam. Ha had been working to build awareness among common man to stop cruelty towards the gentle giants and also raised funds to build a crematorium for elephants. He received the first ”Palakapya’ award instituted the elephant owner’s federation.
Dr. Jacob V. Cheeran
A veterinarian and pharmacologist, has held various prestigious positions throughout his career. He served as the head of the Pharmacology Department at Kerala Agricultural University and the Head of the Department of Wildlife Sciences in the College of Forestry. Additionally, he was a professor and Chairman of the Elephant Studies Center and a member of the Steering Committee of the Project Elephant and the Central Zoo Authority of the Government of India. With extensive experience in tranquilizing elephants, he has successfully immobilized over 500 of these majestic creatures. Dr. Cheeran has presented on elephant-related topics at numerous conferences worldwide and has been invited to countries such as the USA, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Thailand, and Australia to share his expertise on elephant management, immobilization, and musth in elephants. He has also served as an elephant expert in court hearings. Notably, he holds a patent for an instrument that administers medicines to wild animals from a distance. Dr. Cheeran retired in 2000 and has written several books in both his native tongue and English, drawing from his personal experiences, many of which are reflected in this book. He is a member of several international organizations, including the Asian Elephant Specialist Group of IUCN, and is recognized as a fellow of the National Academy of Veterinary Science. Recently, Dr. Jacob Cheeran has been awarded with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award the Indian Veterinary Association.
Dr Apurba Chakraborty
Dr. Apurba Chakraborty is a veterinary pathologist with a passion for wildlife health and over four decades of experience in teaching, research, and administration. From pioneering studies on wildlife diseases to mentoring budding veterinarians, his journey has been dedicated to understanding and preserving the health of animals, both domestic and wild.
He has more than 30 years of teaching experience (December 1978 to June 2008) and has mentored post graduate students both in the field of veterinary pathology and wildlfie health. He had the privilege of guiding groundbreaking projects, publishing over 160 scientific papers, and even earning a patent. He served as Director of Research at Assam Agricultural University for 10 years before his superannuation in 2018.
His work has been acknowledged with many awards like the prestigious Dr. C.M. Singh Award the best research article published in Indian Journal of Veterinary Pathology (1995), Dr. S.K. Nair Memorial award the best research article published in Indian Veterinary Journal (1997), Intas polivet award (2001, 2006), Varsha award Indian Association of Veterinary Pathologists (2002) and Wildlife Health Management Award AIZWV (2007), and Pranimitra Award Blue Cross Society, Assam (2019) besides being the Fellow of National Academy of Veterinary Sciences (2008), Fellow of Indian Association of Veterinary
Pathologists (2014). He was the QRT member of ICAR Institutes on Goats at Makdum (2007-2012), Foot and Mouth Disease at Mukteswar (2014-2019). NIVEDI at Bengaluru (2018-2023) and HASDAL at Bhopal (2018-2023). He is also the member of the Research Advisory Committee member of NRC pig, Guwahati (two term), NRC Yak,Dirrang (two term), NRC Mithun Dimapur(two term),and Foot and Mouth Disease at Bhubaneswar (2024 and continuing).
He has also contributed to conservation programs providing technical support as Honorary Scientific consultant for the Pigmy Hog Conservation Program and quite a few veterinary and wildlife related projects He has authored books, including the Colour Atlas of Diseases & Disorders of Wildlife and contributed book chapter, popular scientific articles and organized various capacity development programs.
He held the position of the President, Association of Indian Zoo and Wildlife veterinarian from 2022-2024 and actively supported the activities of the Association. Whether it is diagnosing health issues in elephants or tackling zoonotic diseases, his focus remains on making a meaningful impact on animal health and welfare. When he is not working, he enjoys sharing knowledge through workshops, mentoring students, and writing articles to bridge the gap between science and the community
Dr. A.B. Shrivastav
Dr. A. B. Shrivastav, the founder director of the School of Wildlife Forensic and Health at Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, has been a key figure in advancing wildlife health management in Central India. Since 1994, his unwavering efforts, in collaboration with the MP State Forest Department, led to the establishment of this state-of-the-art institution in 2009. A recognized expert in wildlife health, he has provided consultancy to prominent national organizations such as WII, NTCA, CZA, WWF, and WTI, as well as to forest departments and wildlife veterinarians across numerous Indian states. He has actively contributed to workshops, training programs, and field activities focused on health monitoring, disease diagnosis, treatment, and wildlife forensic investigations.
Dr. Shrivastav has served as the principal investigator for 11 national-level projects, including pioneering initiatives like the Niche Area of Excellence on Wildlife Forensic and Health (ICAR-funded), the Centre for Wildlife Forensic and Health, the Indo-US Indian Wildlife Health Cooperative Program, and the Advanced Centre for the Study of Tuberculosis in Wild and Domestic Animals. A recipient of the prestigious Saheed Amrita Devi Vishnoi Award for wildlife conservation, he is a trained veterinary pathologist, having honed his expertise at the Wildlife Institute of India and the National Wildlife Health Center, USA. With over 200 published research articles and 60 postgraduate students under his guidance, he is also an accomplished author. His notable works include the books वन्यप्राणी स्वास्थ्य प्रबधन and वन्यप्राणी चिकित्सक का सफरनामा, as well as contributions to internationally reputed publications
Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma
Dr. K. K. Sarma graduated from College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati in the year 1984 as the topper and received AAU Gold Medal, obtained Masters degree in Veterinary Surgery & Radiology in 1986 and PhD in 1994. He has joined his alma mater as Assistant Professor in 1986 and presently serving as the Professor & Head in the Department of Surgery & Radiology. Dr. Sarma worked on elephant anaesthesia for his PhD and attends over 800 elephants every year for last three and half decades and has the world record of 143 subjugations of rogue elephants in Musth to his credit, there saving innumerable lives and properties. He led the Veterinary team in ambitious rhino translocation program IRV-2020 of Assam, UP and Bihar; first time radiocollared wild elephants in NE India, rescued innumerable stray and injured elephants, rhinos and other wildlife, has 33 National and International awards including Fellow of Indian Society for Veterinary Surgery(FISVS) and Fellow of Indian Society of Animal Production and Management (FISAPM), received honorary Doctorate (honoris causa) from Assam Agricultural University, travels extensively for wildlife issues worldwide, served as international elephant expert in Indonesia, visiting professor of North Carolina and New Mexico Universities, US, guest speaker at US Fish & Wildlife Services, Washington DC, authored over 186 research papers, wrote 5 books, contributed chapters in 8 other books, over 100 popular scientific and wildlife adventure stories, conducted 28 national and international training programmes, workshops and seminars, guided over 50 students leading to MVSc & PhD and delivers on elephant healthcare, immobilization & surgery, management and welfare, human elephant conflict management, wildlife disaster management, rescue and translocation of wild animals etc all over the world. He is known for his services to the wildlife in general and elephants in particular and the Governor of Assam has given him the title “Elephant Man of Asia” in the convocation of Mahatma Gandhi University, Meghalaya. He is member of the Steering committee of Director of Project Elephant, Govt of India, Member, State Boards of Wildlife of Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya. Dr. Sarma is a member of Asian Elephant Specialist Group, IUCN, and Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus (EEHV) Asia Working Group. Dr. Sarma has been conferred with the Prestigious Padmashree President of India in 2020 and is the first veterinarian of the country to be honoured with this award for professional contributions.
Dr. Pradeep Malik
Dr. Pradeep Malik is a renowned wildlife health expert with over 33 years of experience as a Senior Scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Malik has made significant contributions to building enhanced wildlife health capacity in India, developing effective wildlife health monitoring and disease surveillance programs, and promoting the conservation of endangered species.
Dr. Malik’s outstanding contributions to the field of wildlife health have been recognized through several prestigious awards, including Carl Zeiss Award (2002) for outstanding contributions to wildlife health in India, ICEID Leaders Program (2010) for contributions to the prevention of infectious diseases globally, conferred the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Department of Health and Human Services and Professional Excellence Award (2007) for outstanding contribution to Wildlife Health Management, Association of Indian Zoo & Wildlife Veterinarians
Dr. Malik has been instrumental in developing and implementing several conservation initiatives, including the Indian Wildlife Health Cooperative (1995-2002), a countrywide One-Health initiative developed in association with the USGS-National Wildlife Health Center, USA; A collaborative initiative with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Gujarat Forest Department (GFD) to support Gir lion conservation in Gujarat (2015-2019) and The WII-ZSL trans-boundary tiger recovery project (2017-2020) between India and Nepal, funded the IUCN/KfW Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Program (ITHCP) and USFWS
Dr. Malik is a member of several professional organizations, including the International Wildlife Disease Association (WDA) and IUCN Species Survival Commission, Veterinary Specialist Group (Coordinator, South-Asia, 2005-2019). Dr. Malik has actively contributed to various government committees and boards, including Govt. of India Committees/Boards related to Avian Influenza matters, MoEFCC, Standing Committee on Zoonoses, Directorate General of Health Services, Govt. of India as well as State Board for Wildlife, Govt. of Punjab, Govt. of Haryana, and Union Territory of Chandigarh
Dr. Malik is currently a distinguished member of several organizations, including Forest Research Institute-Indian Military Academy (FRIMA) Golf Course, National Tiger Conservation Authority, MoEFCC, Govt. of India, Cheetah Project Steering Committee, MoEFCC, Govt. of India, Committee to undertake ‘Project Plan for Setting up a National Referral Centre for Wildlife Disease Monitoring and Prevention (NRC-WLDMP), MoEFCC, Govt. of India and Steering Committee for Institutionalization and Governance Mechanism on One Health, DADH, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt. of India.
Dr. A.K. Sharma
Dr. Anil kumar Sharma, former Principal Scientist (Veterinary Pathology) and In-charge, National Referral Centre on wildlife Conservation, Management and Disease Surveillance at ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute was born on 1st July, 1957 at a small town MODINAGAR in Distrct Ghaziabad of Uttar Pradesh. After his schooling, he obtained his BVSc&AH and MVSc(Veterinary Pathology) from Agra University and CSA University (Mathura campus) respectively, in1978 and1980. He worked for a brief period (1980-82) as Veterinary Assistant Surgeon in Rajasthan Govt. Later he joined as Scientist S-1 (Veterinary Pathology) at ICAR-IVRI, Izatnagar in1982 where he served in different capacities (Scientist S1 to Principal Scientist). He obtained his Ph.D. in Veterinary Pathology in 1992 from IVRI Deemed University. He shouldered the responsibility of In-charge, National Centre for Wildlife Conservation, Management and Disease Surveillance in 2010.
As a Veterinary Pathologist, Dr. Sharma started work on Disease Investigation and Diagnosis of Wildlife diseases since 1999, solved several disease outbreaks in free as well as captive wildlife. As In-charge, Centre for wildlife, attended several National and International Symposia on Wildlife, acted as member of several high-power committees constituted Central Zoo authority, MoEF7CC, BNHS, and developed linkages between several government, non-government organizations like CZA, MoEF7CC, BNHS, WII, Wildlife SoS, RSPB, State Government Forest Departments etc.
As a scientist academician, he guided 11 MVSc and 14 PhD students as Major Advisor and Published more than 275 research papers in peer reviewed National and International journals of high repute of which 55 are exclusively on wildlife problems. He has been evaluator for MVSc and PhD thesis of several Indian Veterinary Universities, Member of assessment boards. He superannuated from active ICAR service on 30th June, 2019. Currently he is engaged as Consultant in a well reputed Wildlife organization.
Dr Devendra Swarup
Dr. Devendra Swarup is a globally acclaimed veterinary scientist and researcher with over 34 years of experience in agricultural research and veterinary medicine under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). A Gold Medalist in Veterinary Science, he completed his Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine from GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology and has held key leadership roles, including Director of ICAR-CIRG and Head of the Division of Medicine at ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar.
During his tenure as Director of ICAR-CIRG (2010–2012), Dr. Swarup led transformative initiatives, such as the All-India Coordinated Research Project on Goat Improvement, benefiting farmers across 11 agro-climatic regions in India. He was the consortium leader for a World Bank-funded project in Bundelkhand, focusing on integrated goat husbandry for livelihood security in disadvantaged regions. He also chaired the Programme Execution Committee for ICMR’s National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research, which was inaugurated in 2022.
A pioneer in ethnoveterinary medicine and environmental toxicology, Dr. Swarup has been instrumental in validating 16 indigenous veterinary practices and developing patented herbal formulations for conditions like fluorosis and mastitis. His research on heavy metal toxicity and antiviral properties of indigenous herbs has earned international recognition. Notably, he was the Principal Investigator for a collaborative project on the safety of meloxicam in vultures, which addressed critical environmental concerns.
Dr. Swarup’s academic contributions include over 200 peer-reviewed publications, 13 book chapters, and six books/technical bulletins, with an h-index of 46 and over 8,400 citations. His work has been presented in more than 100 expert lectures at national and international forums. Additionally, he has supervised 20 postgraduate scholars (including nine Ph.D. candidates) and received numerous accolades, such as the ICAR Hariom Ashram Trust Award, Lifetime Achievement Award in Laboratory Animal Science, and ICAR Sardar Patel Best Institute Award during his leadership at CIRG.
Dr. Swarup has served on several national and international advisory committees, including the Ministry of Environment and Forests, ICAR, and ICMR, contributing to policy and research advancements in veterinary and wildlife sciences. He is an editorial board member for leading journals and a life member of multiple professional societies. His extensive experience, innovative research, and leadership have left a lasting impact on veterinary medicine and animal health.
Dr Gajraj Singh
Dr. Gaj Raj Singh, former Dean College of veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Aizawl (Mizoram), graduated in Veterinary Science in 1969 and subsequently obtained master’s in veterinary sciences (MVSc) and Ph.D. degrees in Veterinary Surgery and Radiology in 1971 and 1986 respectively.
He has served in various teaching and research positions for more than 40 years as a Lecturer/Assistant Professor at HAU Hisar, and at IVRI Izatnagar, India, as Senior Scientist, Principal Scientist and Head of the Division, In-charge centre for wildlife, In-charge Joint Director Academics, Dr. Singh was on deputation to University of Mosul, Iraq as visiting lecturer for one academic session (1981-82) and as Professor University of Mekelle, Ethiopia 2011-2012. In addition to his duties as the Dean, he also held the charge of Director, Instruction, Registrar other research and management positions at CAU, Imphal for more than five years. Many surgical and radiological techniques developed him have won the appreciation from the peers of the profession.
He has immensely contributed to teaching and research in the field of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology. The areas of his interest were development of implants and implant materials, fracture fixation techniques, special radiological techniques, abdominal surgery and health management of wild and zoo animals.
He was Scientist-in-Charge of the Centre of wildlife ,IVRI Izat Nagar from 1990 to 1993. He started wildlife forensics for species identification based on features of the bones. During his tenure, clinical and surgical cases in wild and zoo animals were entertained in large number. He formed team of scientists from different clinical and para-clinical disciplines for providing diagnosis and therapeutic managements. During his tenure several important investigations and diagnostic services were provided to zoos and forest departments.
He has guided nine M.V.Sc. and eleven Ph.D. students as chairman, Advisory Committee and more than 30 students as member, Advisory Committee. He has published more than 300 research papers in national and international journals. Besides, he has also more than 250 publications including popular/ review article/ book chapters/ compendium/ extension bulletin etc to his credit. He has been Editor/Chief Editor of Indian Journal of Veterinary Surgery since 1992.
Dr. Gajraj has been bestowed with many awards and recognition of National Bodies, Professional Societies and different Institutes. He has served as Member/Chairman of different important committees at Institute level viz. Academic Council, Board of Management, Work Advisory Committee, Executive Council and various Selection Committees, QRT, RAC of different institutions, universities, Member Veterinary Council of India and other organizations at National level.
Dr.M.G.Jayathangaraj
Dr. M. G. Jayathangaraj is a distinguished wildlife veterinarian who has made significant contributions to wildlife science education and research. He earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Management from the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, and has since prepared 21 technical bulletins, 20 books/manuals, and 14 electronic guides on wildlife science for veterinary students. As Chairman of the Advisory Committee, he has guided 30 M.V.Sc. and 4 Ph.D. candidates in wildlife science, while also undertaking numerous courses in the field. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to wildlife veterinary science education, he received the “Professional Excellence Award” from AIZ&WV in 2007. Dr. Jayathangaraj organized an international conference on “Wildlife Conservation, Health, and Disease Management – A Post-Millennium Approach” at Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, in February 2010, further demonstrating his leadership in the field.
Dr. Jayathangaraj has served as Principal Investigator on several important projects, including the development of an Indian Cooperative Wildlife Health Programme (in collaboration with US Fish & Wildlife Services), a retrospective survey of diseases in free-ranging and captive wild animals, and the strengthening of Madras Veterinary College as a nodal center for wildlife health and disease diagnosis. His expertise has been sought the Central Zoo Authority of India, which has nominated him to inspect various captive wildlife facilities, such as zoos, zoological parks, rescue centers, and circuses. Additionally, he has been appointed as an Expert Committee Member for Wildlife Practice the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) since August 2021, contributing to the establishment of standards for wildlife practice in India. Dr. Jayathangaraj’s extensive work underscores his commitment to advancing wildlife health, conservation, and education.
Prof (Dr) Mozammel Hoque
Dr Mozammel Hoque was born on 12 March 1961. He did his B. V. Sc & A.H. degree in 1983 from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal and awarded Vice chancellor’s Gold Medal for securing first position. He then completed M.V.Sc (Surgery) in 1987 and Ph. D. in 1996 from ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar. He joined Agricultural Research Service (ICAR, New Delhi) as Scientist and held the position of Principal Scientist and Head, Division of Surgery, I.V.R.I, Izatnagar, Bareilly UP and retired on 31.03.2023. He is having 34 years of experiences in research, teaching and extension and consultancy services. He has worked as Principal Investigator and Associate in more than 15 Institutes and out funded projects. He published more than 200papers in national and international journals. He authored 1 textbook, edited 4 books, 2 manuals, contributed 819 book chapters, 20 technical notes/ popular articles and more than 100200 invited lectures. He guided 7 Ph D and 12 M.VSc students. He received FAO Fellowship in 1998 and underwent advanced training in Diagnostic Imaging at Colorado State University, USA. He was also offered the Visiting Faculty position at CSU, USA. He received Ramani Ramachandran Award Indian Vet J.; Award of Merit for meritorious contribution in the area of veterinary and animal sciences; ISVS Fellow, IAAVR Fellow, NAVNAW Fellow, AIZWV FellowProf. A. K. Bhargava Memorial Award Indian J. Veterinary Surgery and Wild Animal Health Management Award for the outstanding contributions in Application of sonography in wildlife disease diagnosis. He worked as Editor ISVS Newsletter and Associate Editor, Indian J Vet Surgery and Wildlife Bulletin and Executive Editor, Indian Wildlife Yearbook. He served as Joint Secretary cum Treasurer and General Secretary, Association of Indian Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians.
Dr B C Chittiappa
Dr. B C Chittiappa, a graduate of Bangalore Veterinary College, was born and raised in Karnataka’s Kodagu district. He has participated in the capture of more than 150+ elephants, 15+ tigers, 20+ leopards, and 5 sloth bears in the state of Karnataka. He has also been to Goa in order to capture one elephant. Carried out more than 300 postmortems on different wild animals. Relived a camp elephant’s dystocia removing it manually pulling the calf. Additionally, he was successful in Relocating 20 spotted deer from Khadri Park in Mangalore to Cauvery Nisargadama in Kushalnagar, Kodagu. Due to his proficiency in howdah carrying, numerous elephants, including Balarama, Pattada Aane, Gajendra, Vikrama, and Sreerama, have been trained to carry the ceremonial howrah during the Dussehra celebration. In order to show that the elephant Arjuna, who had been labeled a mankiller, could be rehabilitated and worthy of the role, he also took the audacious decision to teach it to carry the dussehra howdah. Additionally, he has trained fifty wild elephants that were taken from the wild. In addition, he received the Asia-subcontinent’s first green Oscar for India for his work on the 20 Mankiller Elephants in Chhattisgarh. He has received numerous honors, including the “Best field veterinarian award” in 2003 for his veterinary services excellence in Karnataka, the “66th republic day award” for his exceptional contribution to wildlife conservation, the “Rotary international award for wildlife conservation” for his noteworthy efforts in wildlife preservation and protection, and the “Lifetime Achievement award” in 2024 at International Conference on Human elephant conflict management from Karnataka Forest Department.
Dr S.S.M.S Khadri
Dr. Khadri served as a veterinary officer at Bandipur National Park Tiger Reserve from 1984 to 1995, focusing on healthcare management for the park’s departmental elephants and providing emergency veterinary services for its wildlife. During his tenure, he participated in chemical immobilization and translocation of wild elephants across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. His expertise extended to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, radio collaring of elephants and tigers, and the chemical restraint of musth elephants in Karnataka.
In January 1989, Dr. Khadri presented a paper on the chemical capture and translocation of wild elephants in Karnataka at a National Symposium hosted Kerala Agricultural University, Trichur, India. The symposium focused on Asian elephant ecology, biology, diseases, conservation, and management. In 1993, he participated in the mass chemical immobilization and translocation of 14 problematic wild elephants in Madhya Pradesh. These elephants were later tamed and relocated to various national parks for departmental use. The event was documented in “The Last Migration,” which went on to win the International Green Oscar Award in England.
Dr. Khadri shared his experiences in wildlife veterinary medicine presenting a paper titled “Experiences of Veterinarians in Capture and Translocation of Wild Elephants” at the International Seminar on Veterinary Medicine in Wild and Captive Animals held in Bangalore in November 1991. He also published a research paper on the chemical manipulation of delayed parturition in captive Asiatic elephants at Mysore Zoo, which appeared in The Indian Forester journal in October 1997, a publication the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun, India.
In March 1995, Dr. Khadri was transferred to Mysore Zoological Gardens, where he focused on the healthcare management of wild animals in captivity, contributing to their conservation. In June 1998, he was deputed the Zoo Authority of Karnataka to Colombo, Sri Lanka, to oversee the safe transportation and healthcare of an elephant calf. This calf was presented to the President of Sri Lanka the Prime Minister of India during the SAARC summit. In 2002, the Zoo Authority of Karnataka deputed him to attend a training program at the International Wildlife Conservation Centre in Jersey, further enhancing his expertise in wildlife conservation and management.
Dr. Gaya Prasad
Dr. Gaya Prasad, a distinguished figure in the field of veterinary science, was born on November 5, 1953, in Ichchhapur, India. He pursued his academic excellence at various esteemed institutions, including Government Primary School Madri, Baldev Giri High School, Amauli, and G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, where he earned his BV Sc. & A.H. in 1977, Master’s in 1980, and Ph.D. in 1984.
Dr. Prasad’s illustrious career spans over four decades, with significant contributions to veterinary education, research, and extension services. He has held various academic and administrative positions, including Vice-Chancellor of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, in 2016. His other notable roles include Teaching Associate, Assistant Scientist, Scientist, Associate Professor, Professor, and Head of the Department of Animal Biotechnology at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar.
Throughout his career, Dr. Prasad has received numerous awards and honors, including the Rafi Ahmad Kidwai Award, Prof. S.R. Vyas Memorial Award, Dr. Richard Masillamony Oration Award, and Dr. C.V. Kanan Memorial Lecture. He has also served as President of the Association of Microbiologists of India and Vice President of the Indian Society of Veterinary Immunology and Biotechnology.
He is the Fellow of the National Academy of Veterinary Sciences, Association of Microbiologists of India, Indian Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Research, and Indian Virological Society and his research areas focus on Animal Biotechnology, Molecular Virology, and Molecular Diagnostics. He carried out systematic studies of wild Buffaloes in Assam w.r.t hybridization, surveillance and monitoring of diseases in wild ungulates in Sariska tiger reserve with focus on Blue Tongue and vulture decline have been pathbreaking.
Dr. A.M. Pawde
Dr.Abhijit M Pawde started working in wildlife in 1991 while treating ” Lohit ” male rhino at dudhwa national park (UP) which was brought from kanpur zoo to change blood line at dudhwa. Presently works as a principal scientist & Incharge center for wildlife, ICAR-IVRI he has earlier worked at Equus Stud Farm, Shirgaon ,Pune Subsequently, he served as Senior Scientist and Coordinator Referral Veterinary Polyclinic , ICAR-IVRI of his illustrious career , he was associated with several research activities which include several primary interest was in tissue regeneration and reconstruction ,rehabilitationand physiotherapy. He has published more than 180 papers and reviewed papers of Indian and international journals . Dr. Pawde is Fellow and Surgeon of the Year awards the Indian society for Veterinary Surgery. He has also been the recipient of several best paper publication awards.
Dr Shirish Upadhye
Dr S.V. Upadhye, Director of Instructions & Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Science, MAFSU, Nagpur graduated from Nagpur Veterinary College in 1990 with distinction and was University topper. He completed Post-graduation in Veterinary Surgery and Radiology from Mumbai and Doctorate from NVC, Nagpur.
He started his career as a Livestock Development Officer in 1992 and later in 1996, joined as Assistant Professor and thereafter worked on various academic and administrative positions including Officer In-Charge, Maharajbagh Zoo; Associate Professor; Technical Officer; Controller of Examinations; Private Secretary to Vice-Chancellor; Deputy Director and Professor.
He was one of the pioneer staff to submit a full-fledge proposal to the Government of Maharashtra for establishing the Wildlife Research & Training Centre under MAFSU that has come into existence in 2015 at Gorewada, Nagpur through a MoU with the FDCM Ltd., Nagpur. He also took over the reins of the Wildlife Research & Training Centre, Gorewada, Nagpur as the Director in August 2019. He has organized WILDCON 2020, an International Conference and organized more than 20 International and National Conferences/Seminars/Webinars during 2021-2024. Dr Shirish Upadhye has been appointed on a State level Committee the Forest Department for suggesting the rehabilitation of orphan cubs and conflict tigers. He is also Executive Member of the Zoo Authority of Maharashtra.
He is recipient of total more than 80 prestigious awards/ medals/ appreciations including the ICAR fellowship, CSIR fellowship, Scientific Society Awards, and many other awards of national repute, handled 11 research and infrastructure projects, authored 05 books, 09 book chapters, 16 popular articles, 173 research papers till date and guided 11 Masters and Doctorate students during the service. His work for the profession has been acknowledged the scientific societies such as Indian Society for Veterinary Surgery (ISVS) and National Academy of Veterinary Science (NAVS) conferring Fellowships.
Dr Niranjan Sahoo
Dr. Niranjana Sahoo, a veterinarian from the land of Lord Jagannath, Puri obtained different degrees such as BVSc &AH, MVSc and PhD (Veterinary Medicine) in the year 1985, 1987 and 1992, respectively. He started his career as Assistant Professor, Veterinary Medicine in the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha during the year 1989 and served for more than 30 years in teaching, research and extension. Dr. Sahoo superannuated in the year 2023 from the OUAT service while holding the post of the Professor and Head, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine as well as Director, Veterinary Clinical Complex. Dr. Sahoo was the Coordinator, Centre for Wildlife Health for more than 20 years since its establishment way back 2002. To his credit, he has more than 100 articles covering different species of livestock, pets, wild animals and birds. Currently he is engaged as the Professor and Head, Veterinary Medicine and Chef Veterinary Hospital Superintendent in the Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, SoA Deemed University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Dr R. G Jani
Dr. Rajeshkumar G. Jani Ex-professor of Vet. Medicine was earmarked and contributed as a coordinator for the western region (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Goa State) of Indian Wildlife Health cooperative (IWHC) program linked with Indo-US project of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and US Fish and Wildlife Department from 1989 to 2015. He Served as subject matter expertise (SME) for more than two decades in the field of wildlife healthcare and management for in situ and ex situ conservation areas. He guided number of students in wildlife field across the country, published several books on basics of wildlife health care, emergency care, management and treatment as well as published several chapters and valuable research articles in wildlife field.
He was a member of several committee and evaluators of several zoos of India through Central Zoo Authority (CZA).As a founder member he was associate with Captive Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG) ,Founder member of Society for Promotion of history of Zoos and Natural History in India, (SPOHZ*NHI),Asian Regional Network of
International Zoo Educators (ARNIZE),Expert consultant on Wildlife health and Committee member of Gir National Park and State Zoos, and Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd. (Govt. of Gujarat)Narmada Nigam, coordinator of west zone of Association of Indian Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (AIZWV),Gujarat State Wildlife Health Board, (Govt. of Gujarat),Wildlife Health Advisory Board of Union Territory (Dadra, Nagar, Haveli) Consulting member of National Zoo Animal Health Coordination Programme of Central Zoo Authority.
He contributed as SME for big cats especially for Asiatic lion, leopard and tiger for free living and captive zoo animals. The major research publications were on Asiatic lions, primates, and parakeets. His contribution to establish a liaison for information exchange, education and consultation to wildlife managers and veterinarians as well as advance in the capabilities of veterinary colleges to provide diagnosis and investigation of disease outbreaks are pioneer. Collaboration and consultation with protected area managers,
State Wildlife Agencies, State Departments of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Colleges to enhance the capabilities of faculty members to deal with successful diagnosis, treatment and release them back is successfully endorsed. He was pioneer in set up of a teaching outline and contributed teaching resource and material for course in wildlife health at the undergraduate and post graduate level is remarkable.
Dr. J.L. Singh
Dr. J.L. Singh was born on October 5, 1967, in Kuban Khurd (Tarnga) village, Chunar Tahsil, Mirzapur District, Uttar Pradesh. He completed his basic schooling in the rural area before pursuing his matriculation and intermediate studies at Harish Chandra Inter College, Varanasi, in 1981 and 1983, respectively.
Dr. Singh earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH) degree from Mathura Veterinary College, CSAUAT, Kanpur, in 1990. He furthered his education obtaining a Master of Veterinary Science ((link unavailable)) in Veterinary Medicine from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, in 1993. Dr. Singh joined G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUA&T), Pantnagar, as an Assistant Professor on February 1, 1996. He later earned his Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine in 2001 as an in-service candidate. Dr. Singh’s academic excellence led to his promotion to Associate Professor in 2003 and Professor in 2009.
Dr. Singh has made significant contributions to the field of veterinary medicine, particularly in the area of bovine clinical fluorosis. He has published over 100 research papers in national and international journals. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including Dr. Swaminatha Iyer Award (1998),Dr. D.C. Blood Gold Medal (2010), Award of Honour ISVM (2007), IJVM Best Research Article (2014), Fellowship of VIPM 2024.
Dr. Singh has served in various administrative capacities, including Additional Dean, Students Welfare, GBPUA&T and University Coordinator, Wildlife Disease Diagnosis and Health Management (since 2004). He has also guided 18 PG/Ph.D. students and authored three books and eight chapters in various textbooks, including ICAR Textbooks of Clinical Medicine and Preventive Medicine.
Currently, Dr. Singh serves as Head, Department of Veterinary Medicine (since January 2022), is a Member, Academic Council, GBPUA&T and Secretary, Board of Faculty, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
Dr Parag Nigam
Capt. (Dr.) Parag Nigam, following tenure with the Remount & Veterinary Corps of the Indian Army joined the Wildlife Institute of India in 2002. He is responsible for developing and executing capacity development programs for wildlife health professionals both nationally and internationally. He has played a key role in large carnivore and mega herbivore conservation in the country and steered in the first ever tiger reintroduction program (Sariska Tiger Reserve) in the country in collaboration with the Rajasthan FD and National Tiger Conservation Authority. He has been working towards establishing Indian Gaur population in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and Sanjay Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh that marks the first ever large scale re-introduction of a mega-herbivore in the country. He contributes to various wildlife ecological research projects through his inputs on animal capture and radio collaring and has worked across different landscapes. He has been instrumental in establishing chemical capture protocols for a variety of native species that have proved safe, effective and also provide predictable responses. He has been providing technical and advisory services to the state wildlife agencies, MoEF&CC institutions on matters related to population building programs, management of wild animals in distress, ex-situ management and mortality investigations. He presently heads the division of Wildlife Health Management at the Institute and is a member of the IUCN-VSG Species Survival Commission.
Dr. R. K. Sahu
Dr. Sahu has been associated with Ahmedabad Zoo since 1990, holding various positions, including Zoo Superintendent and Director, until his retirement on 30th June 2021. Following his retirement, he received continued extensions for three years and now serves as the zoo’s Advisor. During his tenure, Ahmedabad Zoo, classified as a large zoo the Central Zoo Authority since 1992, witnessed significant infrastructural advancements. Notable projects include the development of open tiger enclosures (1995), open lion enclosures (2000), open bear enclosures (2003), a modern hospital (2005), a state-of-the-art reptile house (2009), a butterfly park (2012), and the innovative Nocturnal Zoo (2017). The Nocturnal Zoo features pioneering technologies such as geothermal aeration, rammed earth construction, and sound barriers—marking a first for Indian zoos. Constructed at a cost of ₹17 crores, it generates an annual revenue of ₹8 crores, making the zoo profitable. The geothermal system enhances animal health stabilizing temperature while maintaining humidity and bacterial levels, and electricity expenses are kept minimal at ₹1.5 lakhs per month.
Dr. R K Sahu also led the prestigious Kankaria Lake Front Development Project in Shree Narendra Modi’s constituency. This project successfully conserved the lake while incorporating recreational and educational amenities, drastically reducing suicide incidents and transforming the area into a tobacco-free zone with seven gated entries. The lake now attracts one crore annual visitors, with half paying standard entry fees and the other half paying nominal charges. Conservation efforts have also supported migratory birds providing fish as food and breeding opportunities on the zoo’s trees. Dr. Sahu’s expertise in wildlife rescue is equally commendable, as he has handled seven problematic elephants (musth), earning him the Mayor’s Award in 1996. Additionally, he has rescued six blue bulls from airports, numerous langurs, a leopard, and a bear from urban areas. For his exceptional contributions, he was honored with the Nagar Pratibha Award in 2011.
Dr. Bhupen Sharma
Dr. Bhupen Sharma Presently working as Director of Clinics, College of Veterinary Science, Guwahati. Passed both BVSc &; AH and MVSc in Surgery in First Class with Distinction and an ICAR and CSIR Fellowship awardee, received Ph. D. in Vet. Surgery from G.B.Pant Univ of Agril & Tech,Pantnagar with highest OGPA. Published 87 research articles and 60 popular scientific articles on wildlife in vernacular and a book “ Banya Prani Sikitsar Jiya Kahini”. Standerdized Medetomidine @5 µg/kg in Asian Elephant as a pioneering work and published in Research in Vet. Science from London and incorporated in Lumb & Jones Veterinary Anaesthesia and Biology Medicine and Surgery of Elephant Fowler and Mikota from USA. Standardization of Atipamezole as a reversal to Medetomidine in Asian elephant and presented in International symposium at Texas, USA in2004. “Critical care on elephant calf” was presented at Copenhagen ,Denmark in 2006. Standardisation of Medetomidine@20µg/kg in Asian One horn Rhino was presented in international Rhino Research Symposium at The Netherland in 2011. Romifidine 20µg/kg for Elephant paediatrics is another pioneering work.
Recipient of Outstanding Presentation Award in Chiang Mai University of Thailand in 2023 following presentation of paper “ A New Device for femoral fracture repair in adult elephants “. Bagged Gold Medal in ISVS symposium in 2019 for best paper presentation in Zoo & Wildlife session. Beyond anaesthetic management and wildlife surgery in elephant ,tiger, Rhino etc., associated with Radio collaring, Radio telemetry and Micro chipping in wildlife. Delivered lectures on wildlife anaesthesia &; surgery in different universities of India
Dr N.S. Manoharan
Dr. N.S.Manoharan, MVSc (Surgery), born on 03.10.1961, worked as an Additional Director of Veterinary Services and Forest Veterinary Officer in Tamil Nadu State Government.
Dr. N.S.Manoharan has extensive experience as Zoo Veterinary Officer and also as Free Ranging Wildlife Veterinary Officer for more than three decades.
He has vast exposure, experience and expertise in health care, treatment, rescue, chemical capture, transportation, training, rehabilitation, disease diagnosis, preventive measures, captive breeding, and management practices of wild animals both in free ranging and captive conditions. Dr. N.S.Manoharan was member in research teams of WII, IISc, WWF to radio collar elephants in various States. Dr. N.S.Manoharan was Course Coordinator in Tamil Nadu Forest Academy and has contributed in teaching to Forestry and Veterinary Officers and Students. He is also a visiting Faculty in State Judicial Academy. He has guided Students in their Masters and Doctoral degrees in Forestry and Veterinary subjects. He has published articles in State, National and International Journals. He has attended many trainings at State, National and International levels. Dr.N.S.Manoharan was honoured and awarded at District and State levels for various Wildlife related achievements and while dealing errand wild animals and mitigating human wildlife negative interactions.
Dr. N.S.Manoharan has been in various Committees both in State and National level developing Guidelines, Protocols, Standard/Recommended Operating Procedures for various aspects of Care and Management of Wild animals.
He is a member in Project Elephant and Tiger’s Captive Elephant Management cell of MoEF&CC, GoI.
Dr. Indramani Nath,
Dr Indramani Nath born on October 3, 1964, in Hatibari, Jajpur district, Odisha, is a renowned veterinary surgeon and wildlife health expert with an illustrious career spanning decades. He completed his early education at Hatibari High School and NC College, Jajpur, before earning his B.V.Sc & A.H. degree in 1986 and M.V.Sc in Surgery in 1989 from OUAT, Bhubaneswar. Beginning his career as a Junior Veterinary Officer in 1989, Dr. Nath transitioned into academia in 1991 as an Assistant Professor, eventually rising to the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Surgery and Radiology in 2009.
Dr. Nath has made significant contributions to veterinary education and wildlife health. During his tenure, he served as Director of the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex and Project Coordinator at the Centre for Wildlife Health. He mentored 33 postgraduate and seven Ph.D. students and authored over 200 research papers published in national and international journals. His expertise in wild animal surgery earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Dr. S.C. Pathak Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Wild Animal Surgery (2024), I. Ramakrishna Oration Award (2016), and Fellowships from the Indian Society for Veterinary Surgery (2011) and the Indian Society for Advancement in Canine Practice (2012).
Dr. Nath’s contributions extend beyond academia to wildlife conservation and health management. He has served as Senior Veterinary Consultant to the Wildlife Wing, Forest and Environment Department, Government of Odisha, and is a member of several critical committees, including the Elephant Task Force for mitigating human-animal conflict and the Health Committee of Nandankanan Zoological Park. He played pivotal roles in the capture and translocation of the tigress “Sundari” and the rehabilitation of the tigress “Jinnat” and has been a governing body member of Similipal Tiger Reserve.
Throughout his career, Dr. Nath has also been actively involved in training programs, conducting over 10 sessions for veterinary officers and 30 for forest officers. His leadership includes serving as Vice President of the Indian Society for Veterinary Surgery, where he successfully organized national symposiums with over 800 delegates. After retiring on October 31, 2024, Dr. Nath continues to be celebrated for his lifelong dedication to veterinary surgery, wildlife health, and conservation.
Dr Utkarsh Shukla
Dr. Utkarsh Shukla is the Deputy Director and Senior Veterinary Officer at Lucknow Zoo. Dr. Shukla is a wildlife veterinarian with over 28 years experience in captive breeding programs and hand rearing of wild animals. Dr. Shukla is an expert in physical restraining and chemical immobilization of wild animals along with their transportation and relocation. He is an authority on animal disease diagnostics, management and treatment. Dr Shukla is well known wildlife rescue expert. Dr. Shukla has conducted numerous wildlife rescues with immense contribution in the large carnivores and mega herbivores. He has rescued almost 150 wild animals and helped these animals to safely escape from human wildlife conflict situations. He obtained his Bachelor degree of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry from G. B. Pant University of Agriculture &Technology, Pantnagar and did Post Graduate National Diploma in ”Zoo and Wildlife Health Care & Management” from Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly. He further went on to pursue various national and international conservation and zoo management courses with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Jersey, United Kingdom, Wildlife Institute of India, Central Zoo Authority and various others. He has been a member of the Central Zoo Authority of India’s team for evaluation of Bhopal zoological park and a member of State wildlife health advisory committee for evaluation of Bear rehabilitation and rescues center Agra UP India. Dr. Shukla is also the member of State Level Wildlife Health Advisory Committee, Government of Uttar Pradesh as well as member of Committee of Captive Elephant Healthcare and Welfare under Project Elephant, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Government of India. He has also co-authored the book “Health and Nutritional Management of wild animal in Indian Zoo” published Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi. Dr. Utkarsh Shukla has been widely recognized for his exceptional contributions to wildlife conservation and environmental protection, earning numerous accolades from distinguished authorities in Uttar Pradesh. He received various honors and awards from the Honourable Governor, Honourable Chief Minister and Honourable Forest Ministers of Uttar Pradesh on multiple occasions between 2003 to 2023, for his commendable efforts. He was honored with an appreciation letter in 2012 and received the prestigious Anirudh Bhargav Smriti Award in 2017 the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for extraordinary bravery and skills in wildlife protection and conservation. His dedication also extends to animal welfare, earning him recognition from the Uttar Pradesh Veterinary Association during Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav in 2022. These honors highlight his enduring commitment to protection, conservation and environmental stewardship.
Dr Shobha Jawre
Dr Shobha Jawre joined as Director, School of Wildlife Forensic and Health, NDVSU, Jabalpur in 2021. She completed her B.V.Sc. & A.H. (1996) and M.V.Sc & A.H. (Veterinary Surgery and Radiology) (1998) & Ph.D (2012) from College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, JNKVV, Jabalpur. She worked as Veterinary Extension Officer at Veterinary Hospital, Bhimpur, Dist Betul between 2000 to 2003. Her passion for teaching and research motivated her to join as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, JNKVV, Jabalpur in 2003 and became Professor of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology in 2015. She has been the Principal Investigator of the Research Project on “Limb prosthesis in indigenous cattle of Madhya Pradesh” under the MANDI budget (MP). She popularized diagnostic imaging techniques viz., endoscopy and laparoscopy in small animals, internal and external fixation techniques in large and small animals etc. Her innovative and dedicated efforts evolved prosthetic limbs for heifers, calves and cows and initiated research in the field of orthopedics in large animals. Besides this, she is responsible for the treatment, radiographic interpretation and surgical intervention for free ranging wild animals and zoo animals. She has successfully performed surgical procedure in the elephant, tiger, leopard, cheetah, Indian rock python and cobra, rhesus macaque and prepared prosthetic wheel for turtle. Dr. Jawre was bestowed with Best Teacher Award for the year 2011, Ph.D. University Topper Medal, Gold Medal, and Appreciation Certificate for Best paper presentation for signifying her contribution in the field of Wildlife Surgery and Avian orthopedics. Dr. Jawre is presently working as Zonal Secretary (Central Zone) of Indian Society for Veterinary Surgery, and Secretary for Local Chapter of ISVS (MP and CG).
Dr. Munmun Sarma
Dr. Munmun Sarma, a Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Histology at the College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, has dedicated over 32 years to teaching and research. A graduate of Veterinary Science in 1989, Dr. Sarma earned her postgraduate degree in 1992 and a doctoral degree in Veterinary Anatomy in 2001, with notable achievements including the ICAR-Junior Fellowship. She has published over 160 research papers in national and international journals, contributed chapters to four books, and led groundbreaking research projects in collaboration with prominent national institutions.
Her research includes pivotal studies on Asian elephants, species identification of wild herbivores through molecular and ultrastructural techniques, and wildlife forensics. Dr. Sarma has served as Principal Investigator for projects funded the Indian Council of Agricultural Research,
Directorate of Project Elephant, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and Department of Biotechnology, among others. Her work has significantly advanced anatomical studies, conservation efforts, and forensic science for wildlife species.
Dr. Sarma’s excellence has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in Wildlife Health (2013), Dr. C.M. Singh Lifetime Achievement Award (2022), and multiple “Best Paper” awards for her research on elephants, goats, and forensic anatomy. Her passion for wildlife forensics is reflected in her training programs for veterinarians, IFS officers, and stakeholders, as well as her efforts to raise awareness about species conservation.
A Fellow of the Indian Association of Veterinary Anatomists, Dr. Sarma’s commitment to wildlife conservation extends beyond academia, making her a trailblazer in the field. With her unparalleled expertise and passion, she continues to contribute to the protection and preservation of wildlife species in India.
Dr NVK Ashraf
N V K Ashraf is the Chief Veterinarian and Senior Advisor at Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). He has been the Principal Investigator or Co-PI of many projects at WTI since 2001. Principal among them include projects on gibbon translocation, swamp deer translocation, conflict animal management, and largely rescue & rehabilitation that included orphan elephant, rhino, clouded leopard, Asiatic black bear and many other taxa.
He graduated from the Madras Veterinary College in 1985, did my masters in Wildlife Science from the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun in 1989. Worked in Coimbatore Zoological Park Society for 9 years, before moving to WTI in 2001. He is the senior most of all the MSc Wildlife Science graduates from the Wildlife Institute of India. He has more than 30 years of experience in the field of wildlife conservation, with emphasis on animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation, conflict mitigation and ex-situ conservation. He is also a member of the IUCN Specialist Groups on Reintroduction, Asian Elephant, Small Carnivore Conservation and Wildlife Health.
Besides his professional expertise in wildlife conservation, he also has interests in comparative religion, nature in world literatures, comparative language and ethics in wisdom literatures of the world. He is a scholar in the Thirukkural and has the distinction of uploading it in 22 different languages on the internet. He is the co-author of the recently released first authentic book on “Thirukkural in World Languages.” He has also the author of many seminar papers on the cultural and literary significance of Indian wildlife flora and fauna.
Dr Gowri Mallapur
Dr. Gowri Mallapur is a seasoned wildlife veterinarian and conservationist with more than two decades of experience in wildlife health management, zoo science, and herpetology. She is currently the Director of GaiaMitra Collective Foundation, focusing on conservation, research, sustainable development, and applied technology enterprise. She plays a significant role in ex-situ population management and conservation research projects. Dr. Mallapur holds an MVSc in Parasitology from Bombay Veterinary College, specializing in reptile health and wildlife parasitology. Her professional journey includes her role as Veterinary Consultant for the Central Zoo Authority and Subject Matter Specialist (Veterinary Health and Management) at the NMCG– Wildlife Institute of India’s Biodiversity Conservation and Ganga Rejuvenation project, Component IV, Rescue and Rehabilitation, serving as Veterinarian and Chief Operations Officer at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, and independently advising zoos on reptile care. As a member of the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group, she has contributed actively to global conservation efforts. Her career highlights include being part of the core team for developing the National Wildlife Health Policy, publication on human-crocodile conflict, and leading training programs for veterinary professionals. She has published both in peer reviewd journals and in other media on wildlife health, including research on endangered reptiles and ex situ management. Dr. Mallapur is a passionate educator, conducting training for veterinarians, biologists, and animal keepers on captive care, reptile handling, and wildlife rescue. She has attended numerous international conferences and delivered lectures on sustainable development, amphibian conservation, and reptile welfare.
Her work bridges science and conservation with a strong focus on reptiles, particularly reptiles and amphibians, underscoring her leadership in wildlife health and sustainable ecological practices.
Dr Shweta Mandal
Dr. Shweta Mandal, a gold medalist from the BVSc & AH 1994 batch at BCKV, West Bengal, is India’s first lady veterinarian to work with free-range wildlife. With over 30 years of service in the West Bengal Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, she is currently stationed at Gorumara National Park, Jalpaiguri, overseeing critical wildlife health initiatives. Dr. Mandal holds a Postgraduate National Diploma in Zoo and Wild Animal Health Care and Management from IVRI, Bareilly. Her work spans across North Bengal’s major wildlife reserves, including Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Buxa Tiger Reserve, and Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary North Bengal Wild animals Park, Baikanthapur Forest Division, Kurseong Forest Division and the territory Divisions of North Bengal. She is the first Veterinarian in India to participate in ELEPHANT CENSUS 2010 -11 & RHINO CENSUS 2011-12
Dr. Mandal has successfully hand-reared orphaned wild elephant calves, monitored pregnancies and births in captive elephants, and trained over 50 mahouts in scientific elephant husbandry. Her expertise in chemical immobilization has been pivotal in treating and translocating wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and rhinos. She also plays a key role in rescuing and rehabilitating animals involved in human-wildlife conflicts, such as the recent translocation of two wild elephants that crossed the
Indo-Bangladesh border. Her disease investigation work includes conducting necropsies on over 100 species of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, and leopards.
Dr. Mandal has been honoured with numerous accolades, including the National Award for Outstanding Fieldwork in Wildlife Health (2011), the Professional Excellence Award at the International Symposium on Ecology and Health Management of Asiatic Elephants (2015), and the Pasudhan Praharee Inspiring Lady Veterinarian Award (2021). Her work has been featured in publications like PRERNA, highlighting her status as a trailblazer in wildlife health management.
Additionally, Dr. Mandal has presented papers on wildlife conservation at national and international forums and co-authored a landmark study on classical swine fever in wild hogs published in Transboundary & Emerging Diseases. Her lifelong dedication to wildlife health continues to set benchmarks in conservation science.