In association with Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, Wildlife SOS organized an event displaying a fusion of nature, mime and magic in the Bird Interpretation Centre of Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Agra. The team has partnered with ‘Magicians Without Borders’ and arranged a series of magic shows in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Mathura to create awareness about wildlife.
The man of the hour, Mr. Chris Yergil, is a member of the Magicians Without Borders organization and has been performing for over 30 years in USA and UK. He is a much celebrated artist who performed for an hour a show full of entertainment and recreation for spectators from all walks of life and had them in awe. He was a sensation especially among the children as he created various animals like bears, elephants, leopards and snakes out of balloons and presented those to them.
The auditorium was jam packed with school children, stakeholders, Uttar Pradesh Forest Department officials and other visitors to the extent that some had to wait outside the venue for a chance to enter. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the show which made it a major success.
Chris Yergil, the star performer, had also conducted a show for the local public and school children of the Kalandar community in Tonk , for the volunteers and staff at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, another at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre for the mahouts and nearby villagers and at Friendicoes where many clients and staff enjoyed a happy hour. Being an ornithologist, he adored and appreciated the variety of migratory birds residing in the bird sanctuary.
Baiju Raj M.V,Director Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS said, “This was an innovative and unique show. We tried it on an experimental basis and it has turned out to be a huge success. Chris is a keen bird watcher and absolutely enjoyed his visit to the bird sanctuary. We shall continue to partner with Magicians Without Borders in the future.”
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-Founder, Wildlife SOS said, “There is an urgent need in today’s age to awaken people to the loss of habitat that is happening around us every day. We must use any tool available that works to create awareness among people about wildlife. In this case, magic and mime prove to be an effective conservation tool.”
