Pawan Kalyan's wife adopts elephant, tiger at Vizag Zoo

Anna Konidala, wife of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, has adopted an Asiatic elephant and a Royal Bengal tiger at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park here for a year under its Animal Adoption Programme.

Anna adopted the two animals on her birthday by contributing a total of Rs 6.3 lakh towards their care and welfare, IGZP curator G Mangamma said.

"IGZP welcomes Anna Konidala to the Zoo's Animal Adoption Family and sincerely appreciates her valuable contribution towards animal welfare, zoo management and wildlife conservation," Mangamma said in a press release on Friday.

Of the total amount, Rs 4.3 lakh was contributed towards the adoption of the Asiatic elephant, India's National Heritage Animal, while Rs 2 lakh was given for the Royal Bengal tiger, the country's National Animal.

The contribution will support the animals' care, nutrition, environmental enrichment and veterinary welfare, the curator said.

Mangamma said the gesture could inspire people to celebrate special occasions by supporting wildlife conservation initiatives.

The zoo's Animal Adoption Programme allows individuals, families, educational institutions, organisations and corporate bodies to contribute towards animal welfare and wildlife conservation.