The Hindu : Karnataka News : Animal adoption scheme a hit at Mysore zoo

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Thursday, May 26, 2011
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Animal adoption scheme a hit at Mysore zoo

Shankar Bennur & P.M. Veerendra

However, it is yet to take off at Shimoga safari park

— File photo: M.A. Sriram

Under his wing:Cricketer Anil Kumble has adopted a giraffe calf at Mysore zoo.

Mysore/Shimoga: While the animal adoption scheme at Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari near Shimoga has few takers, it is a big hit at Mysore zoo, which was the first to introduce the animal adoption policy in 1995.

The popularity of the adoption scheme at Mysore zoo is such that cricketers, film stars, politicians and industrialists are among those who have adopted animals. Although the scheme did not receive the expected response in its initial years, there was a gradual rise in adoptions, with a record number of animals and birds being adopted in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

According to zoo sources, adoptions went up from seven in 2001-02 to 394 in 2010-11. The zoo collected Rs. 30.2 lakh as adoption fees in 2010-11.

Little patronage

Meanwhile, Tyavarekoppa has more tigers than Mysore zoo, but has failed to attract the same kind of patronage. The safari park, which is managed by the Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK), has 12 tigers, five lions, including a cub, 40 spotted deer and 40 sambars.

Officials at Tyavarekoppa told The Hindu that efforts were being made to woo corporates and celebrities to sponsor the animals here.

B.Y. Raghavendra, MP, and Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd. (JLR) adopted a lion and a tiger respectively from the park for one year, from September 2009. However, after the adoption period came to an end, there were no inquiries about the scheme. The park management had urged Mr. Raghavendra and JLR to extend the adoption period, the officials added.

High profile

The former Indian cricketers Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath have helped make the animal adoption scheme popular in Mysore.

While Mr. Kumble has adopted a giraffe calf and an Asiatic lion, Mr. Srinath has adopted a jaguar. They perhaps inspired speedster Zaheer Khan into paying Rs. 1 lakh for a tiger.

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa too has adopted Amulya, a tiger, for the third consecutive year. Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar, who had previously adopted a gorilla, has also adopted two king cobras for a lifetime fee of Rs. 1 lakh. Kannada actor Darshan has renewed his adoption of an elephant calf for another year.

Better care

Officials at Tyavarekoppa said the details of the adoption scheme would be displayed on the safari park premises as well as at Jog.

The scheme has also been modified by reducing the adoption period and keeping the fee affordable. Animals can be adopted even for a week.

Deputy Conservator of Forests T.J. Ravi Kumar, who is in charge of Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari, said proposals for adopting a tiger or a lion for a shorter duration would be considered.

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