Javagal Srinath, former India pacer and avid animal lover, announced on Friday that the captain of the Indian cricket team, MS Dhoni, would adopt a tiger at the Mysore Chamarajendra Zoo.
Srinath was having an informal chat with reporters at the zoo when he said, “I am sure I can persuade Dhoni to adopt a tiger. He has great concern for animal welfare, and I shall meet him soon with the request that he adopt a tiger.”
Srinath, who has himself adopted a jaguar called Viji, said, “I have fond memories of the zoo. It is one of the best zoological parks in the country. It is well-maintained, and the animals are healthy and lively. I had been visiting this zoo ever since I started going to school. It was at this zoo that I got a chance to hone my interest in wildlife.”
Executive director of the Mysore Chamarajendra Zoo, KB Markandaiah, said, “Srinath did mention to me that he would speak with Dhoni about the adoption of an animal. It’s only when we hear from Dhoni himself that we can begin the process and start the paperwork. I am sure Srinath will persuade Dhoni to visit the zoo.”
Srinath, famously known as the ‘Mysore Express’, said, “I will bring the spirit of the adoption of animals at the zoo to the World Cup winning captain. I am quite sure he will come up with a positive response. When he might be free to visit the Mysore Zoo, however, will depend on his schedule.”
If Dhoni does indeed adopt an animal at Mysore Zoo, he would not be the first cricketer to show such an interest in the animals. While Srinath has adopted a jaguar, the former captain of the Indian team, Anil Kumble, has adopted a giraffe calf and an Asiatic lion.
Zaheer Khan also adopted a tiger in January. One zoo official, listing all cricketers who have adopted animals, said, “We look forward to the day when Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar would adopt one of our animals.”
Comments