In spite of introducing the ‘Adoption Scheme of Specific Animals’ in 2011, not much people have expressed their initiatives in grabbing the wildlife care opportunity, exclaim the officials of Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park.
Available from thousands to lakhs, offers including number of free entry coupons and free charge to roam the zoo are given to the people taking this step of adopting inmates. “Till date, only three Corporates and three individuals have enrolled for this scheme. We appreciate the participation of individuals especially because they come forward for animal adoption on their own expenses,” said a zoo official.
The list of this adopting animals consist of one tiger, two lions, one leopard, three hippo, five Himalayan Black Bear, eight sloth bear, three Gharial, nine Jungle Cat, seven Hyaena, three Civet Cat, three Porcupine, 38 Monkeys, two langurs, two Pelican, four Owls, four leopard Cats and Nine EMU.
Citing the costly reason of marking the adoption scheme regarding these animals, another zoo officer said, “The maintenance and care of animals housed in this zoo is an expensive proposition. In addition to providing nutritious food, the animals are also provided with dietary supplements and best available medical care. Therefore, adoption from animal lovers and well wishers are highly solicited.” Notably, zoo officials after noticing the interest of Former Miss World Priyanka Chopra on showing interest to adopt tigress Sundari for the second time are constantly trying to approach Indian Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on adopting male leopard named Hari. “If Dhoni is keener in street dogs, we cannot force him to adopt our wild animal. It is upto his choice,” said a zoo officer.
This zoo officer also informed that Priyanka’s positive response to adopt Sundari is expected to come by this weekend. Notably, Dhoni is the brand ambassador of ‘Jharkhand’s Save the Tiger Project’ but has adopted tigers from other national parks of the nation except his own native state.