The ‘Friends of Zoo’ scheme of Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden at Kankaria here doesn’t fare well with the hard-core vegetarianism prevalent in the city. The carnivorous animals and birds in the zoo have few or rather no takers to the extent that animals such as lions, tigers, leopards, and birds like kites and vultures are not adopted in the zoo.

Zoo Superintendent Dr Rakesh Sahu said: “This is a common belief among people here to avoid such animals and birds. Endangered species like vultures really need care and protection but since people are not sensitized towards their need, they do not understand the importance of adopting them. Some even claim that their religion doesn't allow caging animals and birds let alone adoption, while some claim their religions only believe in vegetarianism.”

He added: “Many do not even understand the eco-system and the need of certain animals for maintaining ecological balance. Adoption programmes add awareness and help in conservation of these species, which have by and large come in the endangered group.” Zoo authorities said that barring few industrialists and corporate houses who have adopted lions and tigers, others do not even consider them as an option for adoption. Locals mostly choose birds like peacocks, Nicobar pigeons and the like for adoption.

Dr Sahu said that although not many come for adoptions, the ones who do come have pre-conceived notions.

“When people come to visit the zoo or for inquiring on the adoption programme, we give them lectures especially on the animals that need conservation. Schedule I animals and birds are always our priority. This scheme builds a relationship between the animal and the human beings. But people here mostly come to adopt animals, which are their favourites, and not with the intention of giving attention to the endangered species,” he said.

... contd.