Four years into its launch, Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park's ambitious animal adoption scheme seems to be lost in wilderness.

Courtesy a host of reasons - ranging from lackadaisical attitude of authorities concerned and no publicity to slo-mo industrial growth - more than 1,000-odd inmates from 70 species have been cast into a vortex of endless wait for foster parents at the 104-hectare zoo on the outskirts of Ranchi.

According to insiders, the adoption scheme has been wobbling at Birsa zoo in Ormanjhi ever since its launch. In fact, since January, the zoo has not received a single query - let alone request - for adoption.

Last September had offered a face-saver though. Central Coalfields (CCL) had adopted Durga for a period of five years after the ageing tigress was abandoned by Bollywood's " junglee billi", aka actress Priyanka Chopra, two years ago.

Unfortunately, Durga died in December. "After her death, CCL had two options. The PSU could either adopt another big cat or demand its money back. Fortunately, CCL chose the first option and adopted tigress Tejaswani to re-establish its commitment towards wildlife conservation," said a zoo official.

However, that was a solitary incident and Birsa zoo's stagnation wound is festering, say officials.

"Look at cities like Delhi and Bangalore... Animal adoption is largely successful there. And here, no one seems interested at all," a zookeeper complained, adding that several endangered species of tiger, lion, bison, hyena, leopard cat and fox were urgently awaiting adoption.

According to Birsa zoo records, current foster parents include Mecon (three leopards and a tiger), Punjab National Bank (seven peacocks) and SAIL (three elephants). Individuals included a couple from Gandhinagar Colony, Ranchi, who adopted an eagle and a langur three years ago, but didn't resume fostering after the first year. The zoo had also shot to fame when Priyanka adopted a lion and a tiger in two consecutive years. Thereafter, she too disassociated herself with the scheme.

Under zoo rules, animals can be adopted for a period of one year to five years. Rates depend on the tenure and species. For instance, the tag for an endangered Royal Bengal Tiger is Rs 2.95 lakh a year while the vulnerable Himalayan Black Bear is Rs 87,000-a-year heavy on the pocket.

A senior zoo official conceded that lack of proactive approach was the biggest hurdle.

"These schemes require publicity and aggressive persuasion at every level. But, that hardly happens here. Zoo and forest authorities can approach reputable schools, private organisations, sportsmen, police associations, et al, with some offers like free passes for every adoption, but they don't. Just tax waiver doesn't interest all," he said.

He added that Jharkhand's industry-unfriendly image was also a bane. "How many projects have kicked off in the state in all these years? Why would a company, which has to beg for land and allied resources, invest in wildlife conservation?"

Birsa zoo director A.K. Patra claimed they would soon plan "special drives" to reach out to various entities and organisations. "I was busy preparing the annual plan for the zoo and thus, could not concentrate much on the adoption scheme. But, we do keep exploring ways to make the scheme a success. We will take up a special drive soon," he said.

Should Birsa zoo rework its adoption scheme? Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com