A man in Bhopal adopts a tigress
Bhopal:
Adoption of a rare Indian Python by a girl spurred
another man to adopt a tigress in Van Vihar National Park
of Bhopal, under the 'adoption of wildlife' scheme launched
by the zoo authorities enabling people to sponsor their
favourite animals living in the zoo. The Animal Adoption
Scheme started in 1994 aims to encourage patronage towards
a noble cause. The Bhopal zoo allows adoption of animals
like a lion, leopard, bear, python, hyena, crocodile and
ghariyal. Gulrez Ahmed, who is now the owner of the tigress
said, "I got to know that one can adopt an animal and
take care of it. I felt that while I should contribute
towards the safety of the animal that is being killed
by people to make money. This is the least I can do."
India holds over half the world's tiger population, but
according to conservationists, it might lose the position.
According
to the latest tiger census report released on February
12, 2008, by the National Tiger Conservation Authority,
the current tiger population ranges between a minimum
of 1,165 to 1,657 tigers. Law student Abhinita Das was
the first person to adopt a wild animal under the scheme.
Remembering the time of adoption she said," I had come
visiting this zoo when I got to know that one could adopt
an animal here. It was later that I realised that I am
the first one to adopt an animal. A lot of people are
coming and it feels nice that I was the pioneer and have
inspired others also," The adoption scheme is fast catching
up with people and the zoo authorities claim that they
have been receiving many enquiries. However, the zoo caretakers
believe that there is a need to spread awareness and educate
people about the scheme, which helps them to support animals
from a period ranging from a month to a year.
-Jan
24, 2009
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