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King cobra to leopard, here’s what you can adopt under Bengaluru zoo’s animal adoption programme
Housing 2,279 animals of 101 different species, the government-run BBP, has a zoo, safari, butterfly park and rescue centre.
The Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) has received an encouraging response to its animal adoption programme launched during the COVID-19-induced lockdown period, with dozens of wildlife conservation enthusiasts getting on board.
“Last week, 36 people adopted 43 animals and donated ₹5.36 lakh”, BBP Executive Director Vanashree Vipin Singh told PTI on Sunday. They include Bengaluru South MLA M Krishnappa, who adopted an elephant and a tigress by paying ₹2.75 lakh. Other patrons have adopted animals such as tiger, leopard and zebra at the BBP, a unit of the Zoo Authority of Karnataka. “There are about 80 inquiries from all parts of the country and also abroad. Replies and details have been sent to them. There will be further adoption this week, she said.
Housing 2,279 animals of 101 different species, the government-run BBP, spread over 731.88 hectare, has a zoo, safari, butterfly park and rescue centre.
Less than two weeks ago, the BBP released a list of animals that can be adopted at the zoo as part of its programme for people with an interest in conserving wildlife.
Patrons can adopt an Indian cobra for as low as ₹2,000 per annum or an Asiatic elephant for ₹1.75 lakh. They can adopt a King cobra and Indian rock python for ₹3,500 per year, or a jungle cat and Assamese Macaque for ₹5,000. Adoption of a black buck and sambar will cost you ₹7,500 per year, an Emu is billed at ₹10,000, and a spot- billed Pelican ₹15,000, among others.
Certain privileges such as a gift voucher for a zoo visit and the display of names on an adoption board would be extended, depending upon the adoption amount.
“The animal adoption programme is an opportunity for you to get involved in supporting feed and veterinary care expenses for zoo animals with provision for Income Tax rebate under 80G,” say zoo officials.
“The purpose of the adoption programme is to create awareness and connect with people involved in conservation activities, not just generating revenues,” Vanashree said. “We don’t run this programme with a profit motive,” she added.
The animal adoption initiative is part of BBP’s outreach programme as people are not able to visit the zoo due to the lockdown.
In other times, visitors can sign up to adopt animals.
