Tiger tops in ‘Adoption scheme’ of Zoo

Bahadurpura: Tiger remains the most favoured amongst the wildlife animals for nature enthusiasts whose continued contribution as part of ‘Adoption Scheme’ is helping conservation efforts in the Nehru Zoological Park. 

Being the National Animal of India symbolizes the power, strength, elegance, alertness, intelligence and endurance. People continue to prefer the Tiger over other animals due to its enormous power. In mythology and vedic era, the tiger was a symbol of power. The tiger also has a significant place in Hindu mythology as the vehicle of Goddess Durga. 

"In olden times, hunting of tigers was considered to be one of the highest acts of bravery by kings and noblemen. Now people prefer it over other animals with the objective linking themselves somehow," said an official 

The other animals which were adopted during last two years are are Crocodile, Birds, Lion tailed Macaque, Indian Gharial, White Tiger, Squirrel Monkey, Cheetah and Panther. When this scheme was introduced corporate companies vied for adoptions, where infrastructure, financial solutions and other corporate companies and also schools donated generously as part of the scheme. But of late the trend has changed as Corporate contributions decreased. While on the other hand individual contributions remained mostly unaffected in this endeavour. 

Amongst the individuals a NRI, N S Ramjee (based in Dubai), son of retired IPS, Dr K A Narayana Swamy continues to extend his support ever since the Adoption Scheme of animals in Nehru Zoological Park was initiated about five years ago. On an average he pays Rs 10 lakh per annum to Zoo as part of the programme and ‘adopted’ five pairs of peacocks, a rhino, an elephant and a giraffe in the year 2016-17.  

While Sricharan Veeramachaneni, Director, Varsisty Education management (P) Ltd has paid about 16 lakhs and adopted Lion Safari, Leopard & Jaguar (enclosure), Chimpanzee-pair, a Giraffe, Ostrich pair and Parrot pair. Amongst other companies which are regularly contributing are Suryalakshmi Cotton Mills based in City and State Bank of Hyderabad (SBH). 

“The SBH’s contributions were affected the previous year (2017-18), following merger with SBI. They generally adopt about fifteen tigers. Nevertheless this financial year they are ready to adopt lions, besides tigers” added the official.

BY Md Nizamuddin