Bengaluru, May 10 () The Bannerghatta Biological Park(BBP) here has received an encouraging response to its animaladoption programme launched during the COVID-19-inducedlockdown period, with dozens of wildlife conservationenthusiasts getting on board. "Last week, 36 people adopted 43 animals and donated Rs5.36 lakh", BBP Executive Director Vanashree Vipin Singh told on Sunday.
They include Bengaluru South MLA M Krishnappa, whoadopted an elephant and a tigress by paying Rs 2.75 lakh. Other patrons have adopted animals such as tiger, leopardand zebra at the BBP, a unit of the Zoo Authority ofKarnataka.
"There are about 80 inquiries from all parts of thecountry and also abroad. Replies and details have been sent tothem. There will be further adoption this week, she said.
Housing 2,279 animals of 101 different species, thegovernment-run BBP, spread over 731.88 hactareS, has a zoo,safari, butterfly park and rescue centre.
Less than two weeks ago, the BBP released a list ofanimals that can be adopted at the zoo as part of itsprogramme for people with an interest in conserving wildlife.
Patrons can adopt an Indian cobra for as low as Rs 2,000per annum or an Asiatic elephant for Rs 1.75 lakh.
They can adopt a King cobra and Indian rock python for Rs3,500 per year, or a jungle cat and Assamese Macaque for Rs5,000.
Adoption of a black buck and sambar will cost you Rs7,500 per year, an Emu is billed at Rs 10,000, and a spot-billed Pelican Rs 15,000, among others. Certain privileges such as a gift voucher for a zoo visitand the display of names on an adoption board would beextended, depending upon the adoption amount. "The animal adoption programme is an opportunity for youto get involved in supporting feed and veterinary careexpenses for zoo animals with provision for Income Tax rebateunder 80G," say zoo officials.
"The purpose of the adoption programme is to createawareness and connect with people involved in conservationactivities, not justgenerating revenues," Vanashree said.
"We don't run this programme with a profit motive."
The animal adoption initiative is part of BBP's outreachprogramme as people are not able to visit the zoo due to thelockdown.
In other times, visitors can sign up to adopt animals. RS APRRAVINDRANATH APRRAVINDRANATH
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