Few Takers For Animal Adoption At City Zoo

Few Takers For Animal Adoption At City Zoo

It was in February earlier this year when a group of Australians were so amazed by a visit to Nandankanan zoo that they decided to adopt 10 captive animals under a government scheme. However, the ‘Adopt an Animal’ scheme which was launched across several zoos in the country in 2008 to raise awareness for wildlife has remained a low-key affair despite the efforts by zoo authorities to attract more sponsors.

As per zoo statistics, only 19 people have adopted captive animals this year. Plus, Nandankanan recorded around 100 animal adoptions, mostly by individuals, in the past four years. The number is too less when compared to the number of visitors to the zoo which stood at about 32.99 lakh tourists in 2017-18.

According to the scheme’s provision, a person canadoptany wild animal for one year and it can be extended by renewal. Such a sponsor is also entitled to receive acertificate and income tax benefits. The person is also entitled for free visit to the zoo, which houses more than 3000 animals and birds.

Apart from individuals, the scheme is also open to NGOs, corporate houses, educational institutes and clubs.The amount goes towards providing nutritional food, medical care and upgradation of the enclosures. The sponsors can also visit and check the use of funds. However, they are not entitled to take home the adopted animals.

The programme became popular in the country after celebrities including Indian cricketers started participating in it. Former Indian cricket team captains Anil Kumble and Mahendra Singh Dhoni have adopted captive animals, while the names of Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, former pace bowlers Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan also feature in the list.

Closer home, Odia cine artist Chandan Kar has lent his support to the cause by adopting three tigers so far. The actor, who is also a software engineer by profession, recently adopted ‘Baahubali’, a royal Bengal tiger, by paying Rs 1 lakh.

“Every human has some role to play in wildlife conservation. I have been attracted towards wildlife since my early days and am a frequent visitor to Nandankanan zoo. These visits made me think of adopting an animal,” shared Kar. “I first adopted a white tigress in 2012.The joy of doing so prompted me to adopt more tigers. For me, adopting an animal is the beginning towards wildlife conservation and I was equally supported by my parents,” he added.

Kar stressed that conservation is the need of the hour given the steady decline of the tiger population in the country.

The cine artist has also persuaded some friends to go for animal adoptions. “Most people only talk of wildlife conservation, but hardly show any interest to participate actively. This is why I decided to take the initiative and request others to play an active role as well,” added the actor, who often appeals to people to protect animals against cruelty during his public appearances and interviews.

Zoo officials informed that at present, around 250 animals and birds, including white tiger, zebra, leopard and sloth bear, are named in the list of wildlife that can be adopted. While the minimum amount required for adopting wildlife is Rs 1,000 for bird species such as Sparrow Java, the maximum stands at Rs 2.5 lakh (Indian Elephant). Interested candidates can pay through credit card, cheque, demand draft or cash after filling up a registration form available at the director’s officer in Saheed Nagar.

On their part, visitors to the zoo complained that lack of promotion has affected the scheme. “Thousands of people visit the zoo daily. The number is particularly high during the peak season in winter. But most of them are not aware about the scheme to adopt animals. The zoo authorities should start a promotional campaign for the scheme,” said a visitor.

On the other hand, zoo authorities expressed concern over the lack of interest shown by corporate houses to get involved. “This is a voluntary scheme and we cannot force anybody to be a part of it. However, we are in constant touch with corporate houses and Odia film celebrities to get involved so that others will be encouraged as well,” said an official.