The “Animal Adoption Programme” of Nandanvan Zoo situated on the outskirts of the city is yet to generate sufficient interest among the people to adopt animals.
The adoption programme which was launched in 2014 with an objective to ensure participation of people in wildlife conservation, is yet to find substantial number of adopters.
According to the zoo sources, the zoo authority would shortly be launching an intense campaign about the adoption programme to ensure participation of animal lovers, politicians, industrialists and people from different walks of life.
Aiming to make a larger impact, the zoo authority is reportedly planning to connect prominent people of the State with the adoption programme.
“Wild animals including elephant, lion, tiger, hippopotamus, bear, deer, monkeys, python, snake, hyena, wolves, wild cats, variety of birds and reptiles are available in the zoo for adoption’ said an Officer.
The elephant, tiger and lion in the zoo can be adopted for a day by remitting Rs 1,100, Rs 550 and Rs 550 respectively whereas one can adopt them for a year by paying Rs 3,60,000, Rs 1,80,000 and Rs 1,80,000,” he said.
He further informed that the adoption programme was introduced in 2014 and gaining popularity among wildlife lovers. Although, large number of the zoo’s animals are yet to get adopters, but significant numbers of people have approached us and are still approaching here to inquire about the adoption policy, the officer said.
By completing simple formalities and depositing the amount fixed by the zoo authority, wildlife lovers can adopt their favourite animals, he said.
Besides conservation, the adoption programme is going to provide an opportunity to wildlife lovers to closely understand the behaviour of adopted animal, believe zoo officials, adding that various moves are being taken by the zoo authority to spread awareness about the Animal Adoption Programme.
“The adoption programme is a unique way to show support and care for the wild animal. The adoption contributes towards feeding, medical care, security and other daily needs of the adopted animal for a certain time duration,” said the officials.
“Presently, a photo-journalist has adopted as many as five tortoises. The zoo authority frequently holds various activities so that more numbers of adopters could come forward,” Director of Nandanvan Zoo KK Bisen.