The Department of Zoology, School of Bio-Sciences, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, celebrated Wildlife Week 2026 on October 12 under the theme “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife”. The programme began with a prayer, followed by the presidential address delivered by Dr. K. S. Santhy, Professor of Zoology and convener of the event. The keynote address was delivered by A. Kanimozhi, Special Tahsildar (Land Acquisition), National Highways, Collectorate, Tiruppur, on “Saving Wildlife: From Policy to Public Action”.
Kanimozhi, an alumna of the institute, highlighted the need to translate wildlife conservation policies into public action through awareness, community participation and collective responsibility. An exhibition titled “Entrepreneurial Avenues in Zoology – ZOOVENTURE 2K26” was also organised to introduce students to entrepreneurship opportunities in zoology and related fields.
Around 250 higher secondary school students participated in the programme.
The exhibition featured stalls on ornamental fish, apiculture, dairy products, lac products, poultry, sericulture, vermicomposting, molluscan products, pearl crafts, traps and mechanical methods for controlling stored-grain pests. Other exhibits covered genetic counselling and customised 3D printing of animal models.
The exhibition familiarised students with various branches of zoology and the business opportunities available in these fields.
Dr. M. Poonkothai, Professor and Head of the Department of Zoology, convened the programme, while Dr. G. Maheshwari served as the organising secretary and coordinated its execution.
