The roots of the Wildlife Conservation Group (WCG) trace back to the forest-fringed villages surrounding Bannerghatta National Park, where nature was more than just a backdrop—it was our playground, classroom, and teacher. As children growing up in these villages, the dense forests and abundant wildlife were part of our everyday life, but initially, we lacked a deep connection or appreciation for them. It was through the writings of KP Poornachandra Tejaswi—particularly books like Karvalo and Parasara Kathe—that our perspective began to shift. These stories opened our eyes to the fascinating lives of insects, butterflies, birds, and other often-overlooked creatures that lived right alongside us. What once seemed like a lifeless forest became a vibrant stage of wonder, drama, and life. We began noticing the sorrow of felled trees, the resilience of mushrooms on monsoon paths, and the subtle beauty of bird calls at dawn.

This growing awareness, however, clashed with the indifference around us. When we expressed our desire to protect and cherish this natural world, we were often met with scorn “You have nothing better to do!” they said. Yet, this did not deter us. We realized that real change would come by reaching young minds, the ones still open to wonder. This inspired us to work with school children, nurturing a love for nature through hands-on programs like wildlife photography exhibitions, Nature related painting and quiz competitions, nature camps, wildlife film screenings, and nature walks. Our digital outreach grew too, through Kaanana, our monthly e-magazine dedicated to nature education.

Our journey has evolved from creating awareness to taking meaningful action. Today, we are actively engaged on the ground through research and conservation initiatives. We have restored an encroached lake in the buffer zone of Bannerghatta National Park and continue to work on its rejuvenation. Anchored by our ‘Adavi Field Station,’ we document local biodiversity, organize wildlife excursions, collaborate with the Karnataka Forest Department on forest fire management, and carry out wildlife surveys—contributing to the protection and sustainability of our natural ecosystems.

What began as a few curious children peering into the forest is now a dedicated movement rooted in education, community involvement, and a commitment to coexist with nature. At WCG, we continue to spread the message of how we can live in harmony with the natural world—one child, one village, and one forest at a time.

Our Story

The Journey of WCG