People support Mysuru zoo activities by adtoping animals, birds

Mysuru: The monthslong lockdown and the subsequent dip in revenue had threatened the conservation activities at Mysuru zoo. But people from across the world chipped in and adopted animals and birds, giving a booster dose for the conservation.
The zoo, which had a footfall of over 30 lakh visitors and an annual earning of over Rs 16 crore, was closed on March 15 due to the coronavirus scare. Accordingly, the gates were closed to visitors. With no revenue, the authorities sought financial help from the government for continuing the conservation activities at the century-old zoo.
But the zoo authorities were in for a pleasant surprise when people from across India and abroad voluntarily started adopting the zoo animals, supporting the facility in the hour of crisis.
Mysuru Zoo executive director Ajit M Kulkarni told TOI that there has been a good response from the public in adopting the animals and birds during the lockdown.
“District minister S T Somashekar, who showed great interest in animal conservation, mobilised Rs 3 crore. The zoo which once had the highest revenue of Rs 63 lakh through adoption, managed to generate over Rs 3 crore this year. Infosys Foundation chairperson Sudha Murty donated Rs 20 lakh, while the Association of Kannada Kootas of America (AKKA) donated Rs 25 lakh. Many people are voluntarily coming forward to support the zoo,” he said.
Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa has adopted a tiger, giraffe and green anaconda, while actor Devaraj and comedian Chikkanna have adopted a leopard each.
Mahendra Singh Kalappa from Bannur town, who has adopted a tiger for the past two years, told TOI that people should come forward to adopt animals/ birds to protect wildlife. “The zoo authorities have created a WhatsApp group ‘Mysuru Zoo Animal Adoption’, and 135 of its members have done the needful. The authorities regularly encourage the members in this regard, by sharing details on their conservation activities,” he said.