Though formerly declined, Birsa Zoo Authority is in the process to consult Indian Cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni once again for adopting its inmates. The Authority through the Department of Forest and Environment has zeroed-in on those who are close to the cricket star and a fresh proposal in this regard would be placed before him after his return to the city.
“He has been our brand ambassador as well (for Jharkhand's Save Tiger Project). Previously he had shown some interest in adopting the animals but due to some goof-up it could not be materialised. We are quite hopeful this time and have approached some close aides of him,” said a senior official of the Department.
Zoo Authority has put a list of inmates available for adoption that goes up to total 97. The animals include tiger, lion, leopard, hippo, gharial, hyaena, sloth bear etc. Most numbers of monkeys, 38, are on the offer for the animal lovers this time that can be adopted for one year to five year period. Not surprisingly, tiger along with lion top the price tag with Rs 2.95 for a year while hippo to cost Rs 2.69 for the period.
Authorities in the process to pursue Dhoni first identified his close friend and politician Sudesh Mahto. “He had played a pivotal role in making Dhoni the brand ambassador for the State but this time he is not a part of the present political setup. It may not have been appropriate to involve him. Then we have approached a former coach of Dhoni who has agreed to convince him for this purpose,” said the official and also made it clear that the Department does not want be seen as a “beggar” but by adding names of celebrities like Dhoni it would give a required fillip to the sensitivity the society needs towards animals.
Dhoni is also the brand ambassador of Uttarakhand for the same mission and came into news for his renewed love for Jharkhand when he adopted a street dog named ‘leah’ when he visited Ranchi last. Despite being born and brought up here, the Indian captain has maintained a safe distance from most of the activities taking place in the State.
Similarly the Authority is approaching maternal grandmother of bollywood diva Priyanka Chopra for renewal of the tiger she had adopted for last two years. “That adoption has expired on July 31. We are in process of consulting her grandparents in Jamshedpur. We hope that it will materialise,” said an official of Birsa Zoo Authority, located at Ormanjhi.
This apart, some corporate giants like SAIl, Mecon and others have also been associated with the inmates and have adopted several animals of the zoo. The Zoo Authority is making the offer popular among people by publishing attractive handouts along with rate card and number of animals on offer.