Tiny hearts, big gestures: DPS Gangtok kids win hearts at Himalayan Zoological Park

It was a day filled with joy, learning, and unexpected warmth at the Himalayan Zoological Park (HZP) in Bulbuley as students from Delhi Public School (DPS) Gangtok visited with wide eyes and generous hearts. The young visitors, students of Grade 1 and 2, made their way to the zoo along with their teachers, not just for a routine field trip, but with surprises that left the entire staff deeply touched.

The visit, held on May 13, marked a special interaction between the youngest generation and nature’s wild wonders. Despite the cloudy skies and damp weather, the atmosphere inside the zoo was lit with excitement. The children were guided through the lush and serene zoo premises by the newest members of the HZP family—Graduate Foresters—who patiently explained the importance of wildlife and conservation.

But the real highlight of the day came when the little ones presented thoughtful, handmade cards to the zoo staff. These colorful cards, filled with drawings and thank-you notes, were addressed to the zoo’s dedicated keepers, recognizing their hard work in caring for the zoo’s animals—many of which are endangered species native to the Eastern Himalayas.

As if that wasn’t heartwarming enough, the students and their school brought along a set of gifts for the zookeepers. These included reusable water bottles, gumboots, and even packed lunches—small but meaningful tokens that left the zoo staff both surprised and emotional. It was a powerful moment that reminded everyone how kindness and awareness can begin at a very young age.

The zoo authorities expressed their gratitude towards DPS Gangtok on social media, saying, “@dps_gangtok you have our hearts! Thank you for the surprise and hope to have your wonderful little ones join in on our wildlife conservation crusade.”

This heartwarming visit also coincided with another special occasion. HZP recently celebrated the first Sunday of Sikkim’s 50th year of Statehood by hosting its young “adopters” under the ‘My Child from the Wild’ initiative. The event was aimed at bringing children closer to nature and encouraging them to take an active role in animal adoption and care programs at the zoo.