Cash-strapped forest dept seeks aid from tycoons, NGOs

Upkeep of animals, birds in state zoos
Cash-strapped forest dept seeks aid from tycoons, NGOs
Rajay Deep
Tribune News Service

Bathinda, June 9
Terming the cost of upkeep of animals and birds as exorbitant, a ‘financially-stressed’ state forest department is now knocking the door of industrial houses, societies and non-government organisations (NGOs) to elicit financial support for wildlife conservation and adoption of animals in zoo.
About a few months back, the Animal Adoption Scheme (AAS) was launched for all five zoos and deer parks located in the state, namely Mahindra Chaudhary Zoological Park at Chhatbir, Ludhiana Zoo at Ludhiana, Bir Motibagh Deer Park at Patiala, Deer Park Bir Talab at Bathinda and Deer Park at Neelon (Ludhiana). Rates were fixed for the adoption of per animal/bird. Various privileges were also offered to allure people to lend financial support.
Since it could not achieve substantial results, senior officials of the forest department are now personally urging big industrialists, societies and NGOs to support the cause. The forest officials lament, “With the management changing its objectives and frequent interventions of the Central Zoo Authority and courts as well as NGOs working for animals’ welfare, the cost of upkeep of animals and birds has risen. We urge you to share financial responsibilities for the proper upkeep of animals through the AAS.”
Just a day back, Bathinda Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) SP Anand Kumar claimed to have visited a multi-crore Guru Gobind Singh Oil Refinery here and urged refinery officials to promote the AAS.
It is not only the refinery officials, various major industries and NGOs located in Bathinda and neighbourhood are also among those short-listed whom the forest officials would be making a request.
According to the AAS, people can adopt animals of their choice in all the zoos and deer parks of the state by meeting the specified expenses that are incurred on the adopted animal’s food and upkeep of its houses on annual/monthly basis.
To adopt an animal, one has to select the animal of his/her choice; choose a level of support one wishes to give; fill up a form; and submit it to the zoo authorities. In case the animal of one’s choice is already adopted, his name would be put on waiting list. He would be informed as and when the animal becomes available.
Facing a poor response from the public, the forest department also offered privileges to allure adopters. These included display of the adopter’s name near the animal’s enclosure, free entry passes for the adopter’s family, invitation to the adopter as a special guest during celebrations related to wildlife and a certificate of adoption from the director of the zoo. Further, the policy stated that the receipt of the financial aid may be used to get relief/exemption under the Income Tax.
Besides, those interested in feeding animals on special occasions such as marriages, birthdays or days of religious significance, were also invited to contribute towards special feasts for the animal of their choice.