Kakatiya Zoo to introduce animal adoption scheme

​Warangal: Kakatiya Zoological Park (Vana Vignana Kendram) authorities have planned to introduce animal adoption scheme to promote wildlife conservation and to involve the general public in the conservation movement.

Presently, the zoo, established in 1985 on 19.2 hectares of land on Hunter Road in Hanamkonda, has got about 361 animals of 25 species consisting of mammals, reptiles and birds, besides a butterfly garden.

The animal adoption scheme can instil a sense of ownership among the public in animal conservation activities and hence it is planned to introduce the scheme in the zoo, said Conservator of Forests MJ Akbar. The scheme is already being implemented in Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad.

The animal adoption scheme has received good response from public in Hyderabad and same is expected here at Warangal zoo, the second biggest in the State, the official hoped. Interested persons can adopt animals or birds on quarterly, half yearly and yearly basis.

The adoption fee ranges from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2,500 based on the tenure of variety of animal or bird adopted. Those adopting the animal or birds can avail of I-T exemption under section 80 G (2) of I-T Act 1961.

They also will get a certificate and an adoption card and complimentary zoo entry pass. In the case of students of a school adopt an animal, 100 students below 12 years of age and 10 staff members will be allowed free entry in a year.

In the case of any corporate company, a plaque with the company logo and name will be kept near the enclosure of the adopted animal. The scheme will be announced for public on February 23 by Warangal Urban District Collector Amrapali Kata, informed the zoo authorities.

Conservator of Forests Akbar told The Hans India that they are planning to acquire lion and tiger for display at the Warangal zoo. A decision in the regard will be taken in April based on the allocation of budget. ‘We will try to acquire at least a tiger, which will surely be a value addition to the zoo,’ he added.

It may be noted that two leopards - a male called Deva and female Sravanthi - are brought to the zoo on February 18 from Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) of Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).

They are now kept under observation and after they adjust to the environs at Warangal zoo they will be shifted to the display area, the officials said.