In a brilliant blend of education, conservation and creativity, the Born Free Foundation and Wildlife SOS teamed up recently to present a one-of-a-kind workshop in International Delhi Public School and Amar Public School in Gurugram to promote tiger conservation awareness. Organised in collaboration with key partners including Drawing for the Planet, the Singapore Wildcat Action Group, and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), the ‘Amazing Tigers’ workshop took place on the 30th and 31st January, 2025 to spark young imaginations and motivate future protectors of wildlife.
- Students of International Delhi Public School took part in the interactive art and tiger awareness workshop held in their school on January 30, 2025. [Photo (C) Wildlife SOS/ Kunal Malhotra]
A Story of Rescue: Gopal, the Tiger
During the workshop, one of the most moving stories shared was of Gopal, a tiger that was once a resident of Nagarhole National Park till he became entangled in a situation of human-wildlife conflict that threatened his safety. Tigers, as keystone species, play a crucial role in maintaining balance in their ecosystems by regulating prey populations. Their physical adaptations, like powerful jaws, sharp claws, and keen senses, help them thrive as apex predators. Unfortunately, tigers are facing habitat loss, poaching, and human-tiger conflict. Born Free intervened just in time to help save Gopal and secure him a safe home at the Bannerghatta Tiger Sanctuary, which is managed by Wildlife SOS, where he remains under our care and protection.
- The ‘Amazing Tigers’ event at Delhi’s Amar Public School was conducted on January 31, 2025 with eager participation by the children. [Photo (C) Wildlife SOS/ Kunal Malhotra]
Motivating the Upcoming Generation
Students of Classes 4 to 6 at International Delhi Public School and Amar Public School actively took part in the ‘Amazing Tigers’ workshop that was held with a twist! While they were introduced to incredible facts about tigers and their habitats, they were also encouraged to direct their interest and imagination through art.
To begin with, each participant received an interactive workbook filled with fun activities and questions about tigers. From describing a tiger in their own words to learning about its unique adaptations in nature and the vital role predators play in ecosystems, the workbook kept young minds engaged on every page. They were introduced to where tigers live and the threats these magnificent species are facing.
- The interactive workbooks gave students a window into the lives of tigers—exploring their adaptations, the importance of predators, and the wonders of the wild. [Photo (C) Wildlife SOS/ Kunal Malhotra]
This interactive session was held by Wildlife SOS’s Team Lead for Corporate and Philanthropic Partnership Aishwarya Reddy Ravugari on tigers, their behaviour, and their habitats. Fascinating facts about these big cats enabled the students to appreciate the importance of tigers to our ecosystem. What startled many was that along with climate change, this majestic predator also faces many challenges that are caused by human activities. This made them realise why conserving tigers is crucial for maintaining the wild habitats they belong to.
- Wildlife SOS’s Team Lead for Corporate and Philanthropic Partnership Aishwarya Reddy Ravugari conducted informative sessions at the schools and spoke about how protecting tigers can also save numerous other living beings in the same habitat, making them a key member of the ‘umbrella species’. [Photo (C) Wildlife SOS/ Kunal Malhotra]
At both workshops held at the schools, Ayan Kamath Mehra, the youth ambassador of Born Free Foundation, shared his experience in wildlife conservation. A high school student with a profound love for wildlife, Ayan is also a talented artist. Combining his passion for art and his love for animals, Ayan sells his creative artwork and directs the funds generated from this towards wildlife conservation charities. His journey serves as a powerful example of how young individuals can come forward and create impactful changes. With his love and sensitivity towards wild species and his commitment towards conserving tigers, Ayan inspired children to engage in discussions about art, creativity and storytelling.
- Ayan Kamath Mehra, youth ambassador for Born Free Foundation, spoke on how art is a powerful way to spread awareness about animals. [Photo (C) Wildlife SOS/ Kunal Malhotra]
Art as a Powerful Conservation Tool
After these knowledge-oriented sessions, students were eager to pick up their art supplies and draw outlines of different animals. The wonderful artworks created and submitted by them will soon be transformed into stunning murals by the founder-artist of the enterprise, Jane Lee McCracken. Jane’s foundation will collate and convert these colourful drawings into a printable collage, which will be shared with the two participating schools as mementos of this milestone event. The enthusiastic participation at the workshop reflected how art and creativity can create compassion and sensitivity for animals in the wild.
- Armed with sheets of paper and coloured pens, young students of Amar Public School were engrossed in the activity of representing animals in their art. [Photo (C) Wildlife SOS/ Kunal Malhotra]
To wrap up the session, students were given another riveting activity: sheets were distributed to allow them to write about their learnings and takeaways from the art and workshop experience.
The workshop concluded with a vital call to action, urging students to spread awareness about how to take care of nature so that the homes of wild animals, plants and trees remain safe. They were encouraged to support ethical and sustainable efforts to protect forests and adopt eco-friendly lifestyle choices that contribute to a healthier planet.
- Students of International Delhi Public School proudly presented the wonderful art they made during the workshop. [Photo (C) Wildlife SOS/ Kunal Malhotra]
The Power of Joining Hands
This workshop was a powerful reminder of the amazing outcomes that can arise when organisations and individuals unite for a shared purpose. The involvement of eminent wildlife conservation groups ensured that the message of conservation resonated with attendees, igniting a profound passion for wildlife within them.
As tiger populations face serious threats from human activities, initiatives like this provide a beacon of hope for the future. By inspiring young minds, fostering creativity, and encouraging action, we move closer to a world where tigers like Gopal can flourish in their natural habitats.
The success of this workshop underscores a fundamental yet powerful truth—education, art, and community engagement can truly create change.
If you are interested in organising an awareness workshop or session conducted by our team of experts, reach out to us at info@wildlifesos.org
Feature image: Kunal Malhotra/ Wildlife SOS
