Visakhapatnam: The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam has witnessed a notable increase in animal adoptions, with more families choosing to celebrate special occasions like birthdays by contributing to wildlife conservation efforts. This trend highlights a growing public engagement with the zoo’s initiatives aimed at supporting the care and well-being of its diverse animal population.
Families Embrace Conservation Through Adoption
The animal adoption program at IGZP offers individuals and families a unique opportunity to actively participate in wildlife preservation. Recent reports indicate a rise in such adoptions, with several families opting to celebrate birthdays and other milestones by symbolically adopting animals. This approach not only provides financial support for the zoo but also fosters a deeper connection between the public and the animals under its care.
Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that such adoptions are becoming a popular choice for marking special occasions. Contributions from these adoptions go towards the upkeep, feeding, and overall welfare of the animals, playing a crucial role in the zoo’s operational sustainability. The program aims to strengthen public participation in conservation, allowing citizens to contribute to wildlife protection in a structured manner.
Recent instances include the adoption of a zebra named Raja by Majji Siri Sahasra, who contributed ₹60,000 for a one-year period. Additionally, Bukkapatnam Ramadevi adopted a star tortoise, contributing ₹10,000 for its year-long care. These adoptions, often made to commemorate birthdays or in memory of loved ones, underscore a heartwarming trend of celebrating life events through acts of conservation.
Zoo’s Commitment to Conservation and Public Engagement
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, situated amidst the scenic Eastern Ghats, is home to approximately 800 animals from nearly 80 species. The zoo has been actively promoting its animal adoption program, which offers various benefits to adopters, including adoption certificates and souvenir kits. Curator G. Mangamma has highlighted that the program provides structured engagement opportunities and encourages active participation in conservation efforts.
The zoo also offers tax exemptions under Section 80G(5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, for donations made under the adoption program, further incentivizing contributions. In recent months, IGZP has also seen the adoption of an ostrich by M.V.S. Harshini and M.V.S. Lekhaj, and the introduction of a female black panther, which has also been adopted, marking its first appearance at the zoo in 40 years. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also adopted two giraffes on his mother’s birthday, demonstrating a high-profile endorsement of the initiative.
The adoption scheme, which allows the public to adopt from a wide range of species including elephants, lions, tigers, and rhinos, has been successful in engaging the community. The zoo’s efforts to facilitate remote connections, such as sending updates and videos to adopters, have also been noted, particularly in the context of visitor restrictions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has allowed individuals to maintain a connection with the animals they support, regardless of physical proximity.
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park has been a significant wildlife conservation center since its opening in 1977. It covers an area of 625 acres and is recognized by the Central Zoo Authority. The zoo’s commitment to conservation is further bolstered by partnerships and community engagement programs like animal adoption, which are vital for its continued operation and the preservation of endangered species.
The Chenab Times News Desk