By IANS,
Bhopal : Animal lovers in Madhya Pradesh will now be able to adopt a wild animal of their choice by paying for the their feeding and upkeep at the Van Vihar National Park here, an official said Thursday.
Minister of State for Forest Rajendra Shukla told IANS that the national park launched the scheme for adoption of wild animals with a view to instilling affection towards wildlife in the hearts of people.
“Under the scheme, any individual or organisation can adopt any animal from lion, tiger and leopard to bear, crocodile and even a snake,” Shukla said.
The person or the organisation adopting an animal will only have to bear the expenses of its feeding and upkeep on annual, six monthly or monthly basis.
For adopting a lion, one will have to pay Rs.125,000 annually, for a tiger Rs.110,000. For a leopard, the annual cost would be Rs.50,000, for a bear Rs.65,000, hyena Rs.30,000, jackal Rs.25,000, crocodile Rs.30,000, alligator Rs.40,000, python Rs.6,000 and other any other snake Rs.2,000.
The amount spent on these animals will be exempt from income tax and will be deposited with Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation Society.
The nameplate of the person who adopts an animal will be affixed in front of the animal’s enclosure. During the adoption period, his name and amount contributed by him will be displayed at both the entry gates of the National Park and up to six members of his family will be allowed free entry once a week to see the adopted animal.