Pune Animal Adoption Soars: Katraj’s Zoo Reports Unprecedented Support in 2023-24
Katraj, 5th March 2024: The adoption scheme at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj has witnessed a positive response, particularly after the COVID-19 outbreak. There has been a significant surge in animal adoptions by enthusiasts, with the assistance received in the current year (2023-24) being three times higher than the previous year.
In the aftermath of the pandemic, 12 animals were adopted in 2020-21, generating an income of Rs. 32,190 for the Zoological Park. This figure increased to Rs. 84,305 through 10 animals in 2021-22 and reached Rs. 2,43,610 through 39 animals by the end of February in the current year.
The necessity for such a plan is twofold:
1. The funds collected from people do not fully cover the cost of feeding the animals.
2. The initiative aims to foster a greater love for animals and enhance public awareness about various species.
The calculation of costs under the adoption scheme includes Rs. 135 for one fox per day and Rs. 1500 per day for one elephant. Before the pandemic, the income from the adoption scheme amounted to Rs. 1.5 lakh per annum, which dropped to Rs. 32,000 post-COVID.
The Animal Adoption Scheme allows individuals, organizations, or industry groups to adopt any animal from the zoo as an expression of their love for these creatures. This adoption allows sponsors to contribute to the feeding of the adopted animal, with options ranging from one day to one year or one year to five years. The funds collected through this scheme are utilized for providing nutritious food, medical treatment, and proper care for the animals, all adhering to the rules of the Zoological Museum. Payments for the Animal Adoption Scheme are facilitated only by check or draft.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Director Rajkumar Jadhav emphasized that the primary objective of the adoption scheme is not to generate income but to engage ordinary citizens in wildlife conservation, fostering a deeper love for animals. The hope is that an increasing number of people will participate, thereby enhancing public involvement in these efforts.
