WHO IS AARZOO KHURANA?
Aarzoo Khurana is an advocate and wildlife photographer with a devoted fan base that has grown to over 2 million followers on various social media platforms over the past decade. Her work has been prominently featured in prestigious publications like Discovery, Nat Geo, BBC Earth, and Reader’s Digest. Aarzoo is also a brand ambassador for Sony.
Driven by her passion for jungles, Aarzoo has embarked on an extraordinary journey to shed light on remote and lesser-known reserves, shifting the focus from popular tiger reserves. She believes that these hidden gems deserve recognition and that increasing tourism to these areas will benefit the local economies and conservation efforts.
WHAT IS ATR?
ATR, which stands for All Tiger Reserves, is a groundbreaking project led by Aarzoo and her team. They aim to explore all 55 tiger reserves across India, documenting their journey in great detail. So far, they have explored 43 reserves, starting from Sariska in Rajasthan and making their way through various states.
CURRENT STATUS
Their journey began on October 1st, 2023, and they have covered a significant portion of the tiger reserves in India. They are currently exploring the reserves in the Northeast and plan to conclude their journey at Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Q&A WITH AARZOO
What inspired you to pursue wildlife photography?
Aarzoo shared a story about capturing sarus cranes in Bharatpur, which ignited her passion for wildlife photography. She realized the beauty of capturing common subjects in unique ways and bridging the gap between nature and the outside world.
What was your first experience venturing into the wild as a photographer?
Aarzoo recalled the challenges she faced convincing her parents to allow her to explore the forest for the first time. Despite initial doubts, she persevered and found inspiration in nature.
What is your fondest memory from your journeys into the forests across India?
Aarzoo shared a heartwarming experience of observing a mother tigress and her young cubs, emphasizing the magic of witnessing wildlife up close.
What advice would you give to a young female wildlife photographer starting out?
Aarzoo advised aspiring wildlife photographers to focus on learning and practicing, finding safe places to hone their skills, and planning for financial independence. She emphasized the importance of pursuing a career with a backup plan in place.
Tell us about your project to document all the tiger reserves in India. What is the inspiration behind it?
Aarzoo’s project to document all tiger reserves in India was inspired by a young boy in Bharatpur who expressed a newfound appreciation for nature after seeing her photos. She hopes to inspire others to explore the beauty of India’s forests through her work.