Elephant day was celebrated in Nandankanan Zoological Park on 04.10.2009 during 55th Wildlife Week celebration. Elephants were brought near to the gate complex area dressed in appliqué work apparels and painting on forehead and legs. Elephants viz. Prema, Basanti, Heera, Laxmi and Julie participated.

Chief Secretary, Orissa Mr. Tarun Kanti Mishra, IAS was the Chief Guest and Sri P.N. Padhy, IFS, Special Secretary, Forest & Environment, Sri S.S. Srivastav, IFS, CCF(WL) graced the occasion as guest of Honour. All the elephants were given special treat with pineapple, banana, apple, coconut, maize with spike etc. Then the 7 No. of Mahouts and mate were felicitated with Uttariya and gift packages for their valuable contribution for proper upkeep of the elephants. One cycle rally was flagged off which was organized by the DFO, Chandaka (WL) Division. This is an awareness campaign for conservation of elephants and their habitats.

One wildlife quiz competition was organized in conference hall, Nandankanan for students of Nandankanan High School. It was organized in collaboration with CEE, Bhubaneswar and WWF, Bhubaneswar unit. Naming competition was also organized for selecting the names for two female cubs (one white and one normal) of Kusum. The Chief Guest selected two names viz. “Khusi” and “Payal” for the two cubs. On 03.10.2009 one wildlife quiz competition was organized for Animal Keeper, Zoo Watchers and EPF workers for the first time. All the winners in the above cited competition were given away prizes by the Chief Guest. Citations and gifts were given to Chandaka (WL) Division staff and villagers for their outstanding contribution for protection of elephants, conservation of their habitat and reducing man-elephant conflict. The Chief Guest and Guest of Honour addressed to the gathering. Director, Nandankanan had earlier deliberated on the importance of the elephant day celebration and Deputy Director gave vote of thanks. Distinguished guests included members from print and electronic media, police officers, senior forest officers and other guests, students and staff also participated in the celebration.

Winner of Wildlife Quiz competition among staff of Nandankanan
1st- Prafulla Bag, EPF worker
2nd- Akshaya Ku. Das, EPF worker
3rd- Prafulla Ku. Behera, EPF worker

Winner of wildlife quiz among students of Nandankanan High School
1st- Amit Ku. Rout
2nd- Gita Majhi
3rd- Subhalaxmi Sahoo

Winner of naming ceremony for Kusum cubs

• Priyadarshini Sasmal- “Payal”- Normal coloured female
• Mamata Sasmal- “Payal”- Normal coloured female
• Sasmita Maharana- “Khusi”- White coloured female