The Hindu : Other States / Orissa News : Zoo to start Adopt-an-Animal scheme soon

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Sunday, Mar 23, 2008
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Zoo to start Adopt-an-Animal scheme soon

Staff Reporter

To raise funds and ensure participation of the people

A file photo

Visitors enjoying a day at Nandankanan Zoological Park.

BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to involve the general public at large in animal conservation programmes, Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) authorities are all set to place its animals for adoption from Monday.

Adopt-an-animal, which is dubbed as a revolutionary scheme for the animal conservation in the State, would enable the NZP authorities to put an extra effort for the care, feeding an animal or bird and up-gradation of the enclosures.

“All the captive animals and birds at the Nandankanan Zoo will be available for adoption. The Adopt-An-Animal programme will be an annual support programme and all adoptions will be for a period of one year or will multiple thereof. The animals adopted will remain at the Nandankanan Zoological Park and will be receiving proper care and housing,” NZP Director Ajit Pattnaik said here on Saturday.

Preparations are in full swing to make a formal presentation before the corporate houses, Mr. Pattnaik said, adding that his office had already started receiving inquiries on adoption programme. Both the adoption and campaign would go simultaneously. The NZP has already brought out a price list for animals and birds.

Adoption cost

Against the adoption cost starting from Rs. 500 up to Rs. 10 lakh per annum, the park would give a customised adoption certificate, one free entry ticket, display of adopter’s name at special board and special mention in the annual report of the Zoo. Zoo authorities have made available two most attractive sites for adoption. Adoption costs of Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh have been fixed for Lion Safari and Tiger Safari respectively. However, if anybody wants to adopt only one lion, it would cost him Rs. 1 lakh per annum. Similarly, Rs. 1 lakh would be charged for every one tiger adoption. There are 25 each lions and tigers present inside the zoo area. “The objective is not only to raise funds, but also to ensure participation of the individuals, corporate bodies and others in the management of the zoo. It would bring them closer to the zoo and heighten their love and passion for the captive animals and birds,” Mr. Pattnaik said.

He said one could make a difference with such schemes and the gesture would help to save a species, which are on the brink of extinction. “As an Adoptive parent your contribution would help us to ensure a brighter future for these species,” he adds.

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