For love?s sake: Emotional adoption at zoo

THEY BRING out the love in your heart. On January 28, parents of a little girl adopted a few zoo animals on the kid?s third birthday. And, on Wednesday, the bereaved parents of a boy adopted some zoo animals in memory of their son, whose first death anniversary they will observe on February 13.

THEY BRING out the love in your heart. On January 28, parents of a little girl adopted a few zoo animals on the kid’s third birthday. And, on Wednesday, the bereaved parents of a boy adopted some zoo animals in memory of their son, whose first death anniversary they will observe on February 13.

HT Image

Gunjan was murdered last year. His parents, Lakshmi and KP Dubey, adopted a white peacock, black buck, gray cocateal and a silver pheasant. They gave away Rs 18,300 for the proper upkeep and care of these ‘children’ to be utilized for a year.

Zoo director Eva Sharma said Gunjan’s parents had gone for this adoption for they felt it would bring peace to their son’s soul. The parents themselves, selected the animals and birds to adopt. This is, perhaps, for the first time that Lucknowites have adopted animals on the death anniversary of a loved one.

Zoo animals are available for adoption for all occasions and by individuals or organizations, said Sharma.

In return the zoo officials have promised to install a signboard outside the enclosure of those animals that are adopted by Gunjan’s parent. According to Sharma, such a move would encourage other wildlife lovers to contribute for the well-being of the animals.

The cash-strapped zoo exchequer is looking for various options to help improve its resources as the State government has not raised the zoo budget despite the rise in costs and expenditure. “Also, it is an opportunity for animal lovers to show their affection by adopting them,” says Sharma.