Photo : Lakshitha Karunarathna
Sanctuary Asia began its journey one quiet evening in 1980. Sitting around Fateh Singh Rathore’s campfire under the banyan tree outside Jogi Mahal, Ranthambhore, Bittu Sahgal made an impulsive promise to his mentor that on his return to Mumbai he would start a wildlife magazine and galvanise urban Indians in support of the country’s wilds.
The first issue rolled out in October 1981, with no business plan, no editorial experience and no capital. Since then, Sanctuary has been chronicling India’s natural history and shaping conservation discourse without having missed a single issue despite wars, social strife and economic meltdowns. It is published monthly, with every alternate month’s publication dedicated to young readers.
In 2015, the foundation was established to manipulate the magazine’s wide network of conservationists, naturalists, photographers, writers and editors who run the several projects, campaigns and events that thrive under the Sanctuary brand. The foundation’s reach spans policy, advocacy, science, on-ground support for field workers and environmental education.
At the heart of our purpose lies the conviction that the economies of nations sit on a foundation of stable ecosystems. Sanctuary envisions a world with abundant biodiversity, a sustainable climate and an equitable future for one and all.
Read the latest issue.
In the December 2023 issue of Sanctuary Asia, meet the winners of the Sanctuary Wildlife Awards 2023, men and women honoured for their efforts to safeguard wild India. Read their stories, that will inspire generations to follow. Also feast your eyes on the stunning images of Earth’s wild denizens, winners of the Sanctuary Wildlife Photography Awards that were selected from among thousands of entries. Explore cloud-drenched forests, read about the late Anne Wright’s incredible life, and more!
Encouraged by the support it received, three years after the first edition of Sanctuary Asia came out, a second magazine was launched in 1984. Sanctuary Cub is the first and still the only children’s nature magazine in India. With an aim to instill respect and concern for the environment and wildlife in young children, for many young Indians, Cub continues to be their first introduction to the wild and wonderful world of nature.
Currently edited by Tara Sahgal, Sanctuary Cub aims to inculcate in children an urgency to take action and the need to create a positive change in a society that gives little thought to its rapidly depleting biodiversity.
Read the latest issue.
Animals and plants are endowed with complex intelligence. For example, the slime mould – it doesn’t have a brain, yet it can navigate mazes! Humans certainly have intelligent company. But that’s not all. Another form of intelligence is brewing on Earth – the artificial kind. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can’t feel emotions, and can be misused, yet its efficiency can be useful for wildlife conservation. This issue takes a dive into this world of Intelligence, exploring the depths of creativity.
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