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.
Looking straight into your eyes is a curious jaguar cub, inviting you into the cover story and photofeature on camera trapping, by stalwarts such as Steve Winter! Explore two wetlands in the Himalaya, discover a 'sandalwood leopard' in northern Karnataka, and wander into sal forests. Meet Vivek Menon, and visit Genhe for the Snowy Owl and the Eastern Ghats for tarantulas. Study otters and learn about the usefulness of tiger tourism. Book reviews, project updates, and a couple who Chose Earth.
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.
The July issue is an ode to the many inspirations we draw from the wild world around us, bringing them into our paintings, illustrations, music, and murals. Meena Subramaniam talks about how nature has inspired everything from technology to her canvas, Madhumay Mallik talks about art as a tool for conservation, and WildlifeSOS shares their story of saving elephants from the ivory trade. Meet children’s book illustrator Labonie Roy, Baya Weavers making nests, & take a deep dive with mandarinfish!
