Kevin Pietersen keen to help conserve rare wild animals in Chhattisgarh

England's star cricketer Kevin Pietersen has expressed his desire to support the conservation of the rare wild buffalo and the bird 'hill myna' found in Chhattisgarh. The hill myna, an extremely rare bird species, can mimic the spoken language of humans, the state government said.

Pietersen paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Raman Singh at his official residence in Raipur on Monday and informed him that he has set up an organisation, named 'Saroi', for the protection and conservation of rare and extinct wild animals.

The cricket legend told the CM that when he came to know about the rare wild buffalo and the hill myna of Chhattisgarh, he decided to visit the state, the release said.

He said his organisation wants to help in facilitating the safety and conservation of both the rare species.

Appreciating the efforts of Pietersen's organisation, the chief minister briefed him about the wild buffalo and the hill myna, which have been declared as the Chhattisgarh's state animal and the state bird, respectively.

Singh said only a few wild buffaloes are left in the state, and informed Pietersen about the efforts being made for the protection and conservation of the two wild animals, the release said.

The CM also informed him about the jungle safari developed in the adjoining Naya Raipur, the upcoming capital city of the state, and invited him for a visit there.

Subsequently, Pietersen visited the jungle safari and appreciated the steps taken by the state government for the safety and conservation of the wild animals, the release added.

Had a wonderful meeting with legendary cricketer @KP24 where we discussed various initiatives of @SORAI2018. It was great to know his love and commitment for wildlife conservation. pic.twitter.com/azKSVrY2aQ

— Dr Raman Singh (@drramansingh) February 26, 2018