The Saviour Of Wildlife

We meet the forest guard from Mizoram who is also a photographer and a comic book hero.

- Nabarun Guha

It is morning as usual in Dampa Tiger Reserve. In the midst of the cacophony, forest guard Zakhuma Don is at work. While patrolling, Zakhuma clicks photos and videos of the jungle, which he later shares with locals to raise awareness about nature. Later in the day, he rescues a barking deer trapped in the snares set by poachers. His day ends with a major success when he along with his team manages to nab three poachers.

This is not an exact account of Zakhuma’s daily life, but the adventures of a comic book hero. Although the story may be fiction, it is a fact that Zakhuma is currently working in the anti-poaching squad, and risks his life to save wildlife every time he puts on the uniform and steps inside the reserve.

We find out more about the man who served as an inspiration for the lead character in the story ‘Walking in the Wild’ written by Sejal Mehta and published by Pratham Books.

The Road So Far