Adopting a tiger through national parks or zoos is more than a financial contribution—it’s a commitment to safeguarding India’s rich biodiversity. Adopters receive acknowledgments, including plaques or free visits, fostering a deeper connection with wildlife.
By PC Bureau
Agartala
In a heartwarming gesture, BJP MLA Sushanta Deb from Tripura marked his birthday by adopting a Royal Bengal Tiger named Shera at the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary & Zoo. The adoption is part of the zoo’s animal adoption program, which encourages citizens to support wildlife conservation.
Shera, a majestic tiger that arrived at the zoo from North Bengal seven months ago, will be under Deb’s care for the next three months. The MLA will cover Shera’s food, medical care, and other essentials during this period, at an estimated cost of ₹2 lakh.
“Protecting animals is essential for maintaining environmental balance. My passion for social work inspired me to adopt Shera as a symbol of care and compassion for wildlife,” said Deb, explaining his motivation for this thoughtful act.
The zoo’s Director, Biswajit Das, shared details about the adoption program, noting that the annual care cost for Shera is approximately ₹7.7 lakh. “Our animal adoption initiative began five years ago. Although some administrative hurdles initially delayed approval, we are grateful for MLA Deb’s dedication,” Das remarked, urging others to consider adopting animals to contribute to wildlife preservation.
Deb called on the community to work collectively in fostering a balanced and compassionate environment for all living beings. He also emphasized the need for public engagement in such conservation efforts, which directly aid in maintaining wildlife habitats and care.
India’s wildlife adoption schemes offer individuals, organizations, and corporations the chance to contribute to animal welfare and biodiversity preservation. Programs like those at Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoological Park make adopting animals a meaningful way to support conservation efforts while raising awareness about the need to protect endangered species.
Such gestures, like Deb’s adoption of Shera, serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility to nurture and safeguard the planet’s biodiversity.
