The Bangalore with animal spirit shows spirit for animals

In perhaps an indication of increasing sensitivity to nature and wildlife, a large number of Bangaloreans are adopting animals at Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Park at Mysore.

Many celebrities have adopted a number of animals including large animals such as giraffe, elephants, tigers and bears, while a large number of commoners from the city including school and college students have adopted smaller animals and birds.

‘Adoption Scheme’
Under this scheme, the adopter has to meet the daily expenses of the adopted animal for periods such as a year or so, for gets a certificate, a free pass for the adopter’s family to visit the animal.

“The total sum of money from adoptions from April to October has crossed Rs 24 lakh in just six months this year, while in the last year the zoo had got Rs 35 lakh for the entire year. We hope to cross that sum early in 2014, thanks to the generous sums received from the donors who have adopted animals and birds,” RS Suresh, member secretary of Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK), told dna.

“A similar scheme at Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore, too is showing encouraging response. In 2012-13(till March), Bannerghatta achieved Rs 13.30 lakh but in 2013-14 (April-October 2013), adoptions contributed Rs 17.42 lakh, I am sure this fiscal it will be a new record,” Suresh said.

Why Mysore zoo?
But why are Bangaloreans more keen on adopting animals in Mysore zoo than in Bangalore?
“Mysore zoo is doing it in a more organized fashion. They accept credit cards and some facilities are offered to the animal lovers. Soon we will also streamline the adoption process in Bannerghatta too,” Suresh told dna.

The list of people who have adopted animals and birds show that while Bangaloreans top the list, the zoo has attracted donors from other cities including Chennai.

Who is adopting?
Some well known personalities who have adopted the animals in Mysore zoo include cricketer Anil Kumble (Asiatic Lion and giraffe calf in different years), BS Yeddyurappa (elephant) and cine artiste Darshan (elephant calf).

“Common people too are taking up adoption, of spotted deers, love birds, black bucks and lion-tailed macaque, leopard cats, teals, tortoise, king cobra, lorikeet and many other animals and birds,” said Suresh.

For common people it is love at first sight with the animals they want to adopt. In many cases, they decide on adoptions during the very first visit to the zoo.

“The zoo authorities have made the process of adoption easier and people-friendly, which makes people to readily adopt the animals. My adoption and renewal of adoption of Amulya the elephant was quick and delightful. I am sure it is same for all animal lovers,” Yeddyurappa told dna during his visit to the zoo recently.

Even kids are doing it
Zoo authorities say they have seen even school children on educational tours from Bangalore collected enough money to donate to the welfare of the animals and birds they liked.

MR Ramesh of Koramangala in Bangalore has adopted several animals and birds including emu, Nilgiri langur, green pheasant, peafowl, black buck, lemur, marmoset and a crocodile, paying Rs 48,000 for a year.

Popluar adoptees
Karnataka is also the highest in adoption of tigers. This is perhaps the reason why Karnataka also had the largest number of tigers in both wild and captivity.

Tigers, snakes and birds command more adoptions than any other animals in the zoo, the wildlife activists say.

No bar on adoption
It is not only well-known personalities like former cricketer Anil Kumble or former chief miniser
BS Yeddyurappa who have adopted animals from the Mysore zoo. Even children on educational tours to the zoo collect money to uphold the welfare of animals and birds they like. No wonder Bangalore is on top of the list of donors for these furry friends.