365Telugu.com online news,Gujarat, India,July 19, 2025:As part of its ongoing commitment to global wildlife conservation, Vantara, the visionary initiative led by Anant Ambani, is currently hosting a 15-member delegation from the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) — the primary authority for protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The delegation, comprising veterinarians, biologists, and technical personnel from the Kinshasa Zoological Garden in Gombe, is participating in an intensive three-month training program at Vantara. The program is designed to strengthen skills in wildlife care and the creation of naturalistic, secure habitats for animals under human supervision.
Tailored to the specific needs of the Kinshasa zoo, the curriculum focuses on the care of primates, birds, and reptiles. It combines theory with practical experience, ensuring that participants can directly apply their knowledge to enhance animal welfare practices back home.
Over the first seven weeks, the training covered core areas of animal husbandry — including nutrition, paddock design and upkeep, and behavioral enrichment. Each day balances classroom learning with field-based, hands-on training. Recognising the French-speaking background of the delegates, the sessions are delivered at a measured pace, supported by translators, visual materials, and live demonstrations for effective comprehension.
Since July, the program has transitioned into more specialized, role-based training:
- Veterinarians are now focusing on animal anatomy, clinical diagnostics, treatment and surgical techniques, and emergency response.
- Biologists are engaging with topics like tailored diets, behavioral management, and enclosure planning.
- Non-technical staff are receiving guidance on hygiene, educational outreach, safety protocols, and maintenance of enclosures.
Dr. Brij Kishor Gupta, Director of the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Vantara, expressed pride in the initiative:
“At Vantara, we believe that conservation knows no borders. We are privileged to welcome the ICCN team and support their mission to strengthen animal care and habitat practices in the DRC. The Congo Basin is one of Earth’s most important ecological zones, and we’re proud to contribute to its preservation.”
The ICCN team has shown high levels of enthusiasm and commitment throughout the training, underlining the growing spirit of international collaboration between developing nations in conservation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable wildlife management.