Photo exhibition showcases avian wonders of Rabindra Sarobar
Times of India | 28 January 2025
12 Kolkata: Birders and the management of Lions Safari Park at Rabindra Sarobar, who in the past differed over how to maintain a manicured facility while allowing wild undergrowth in a section frequented by birds, collaborated to host an exhibition of birds photographed at the very Safari Park. The show, which opened on Friday, has been drawing visitors from across age categories.
"The exhibition is a tale of how a spot that was deliberately ‘neglected' in Safari Park has emerged as a birder's hotspot. Though we had differences of opinion with the birding community in the past over their objection to beautifying some areas of the park, we now recognise that this facility is one of the best bird habitats in the city," said Lions Safari Park secretary SS Rajput.
Many Safari Park regulars were surprised to see the variety of birds that were clicked there. "I never knew such beautiful and colourful birds perched on the trees here," said Ashok Sengupta, a retired executive.
Morning walker Rajdeep Dey, who chanced upon the exhibition, was delighted to see the colourful birds captured by the lens of bird enthusiasts. "I thank the team that has organised this exhibition for giving citizens an opportunity to know about the biodiversity of Rabindra Sarobar," he said.
Jadavpur University medical officer Mitali Deb, who is a passionate birder and often photographs birds at Safari Park, said: "The exhibition is like an awareness programme so that people can understand the importance of preserving biodiversity in the middle of a crowded city."
In all, 72 photos — 52 bird species, six butterflies/insects, two mammals and two reptiles — have been showcased at the exhibition.