The animal adoption scheme launched at Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park in Ranchi six years ago has sunk into oblivion, courtesy dearth of concerted efforts to promote the ambitious initiative.
Adoption tenure of the Ormanjhi-based zoo's famed tigers, lions and elephants have ended, but insiders rued that no fresh attempts were being made to retain or renew pacts. As a result, none of the 16 species - both exotic and indigenous, which are eligible for adoption at Birsa zoo - has any takers as on date.
Zoo records show that on May 15, 2011, Steel Authority of India (SAIL), Calcutta, had adopted elephants Ramu, Lakhi and Samrat for a period of five years. That term ended on Sunday, May 15.
Similarly, fostering tenures of Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Mecon - who had adopted seven peacocks, and three leopards and a male lion, respectively, on April 1, 2011 - ended on March 31 this year.
In the individual category, actress Priyanka Chopra had parented a tiger and a lion for two successive years since 2011, but she didn't renew her bond with Birsa zoo thereafter. Two Ranchi residents had adopted a langur and a hill mynah for a year in January 2013. They too didn't renew their ties.
"The adoption scheme wasn't popularised by the authorities. They didn't bother to perk up relationships with existing clients or strike new deals," said a zoo employee, requesting anonymity.
Three years ago, Birsa zoo in order to boost its adoption scheme had designed a catalogue, detailing perks like income tax rebate, preferential treatment in guesthouse allotment and free entry coupons (12 for adoption over Rs 1 lakh and six for Rs 50,000).
"The catalogue also mentioned that for students below 12 years, 10 entry passes are available for every year of adoption while all foster parents are allowed exclusive audience with their furry children. The catch is these catalogues were rarely distributed," said another source.
He added that the zoo authorities made no correspondence whatsoever with clients. "Many of the clients were busy professionals who perhaps needed a little nudge or even reminder on expiration of their adoption period."
In the past, Birsa zoo had even wanted Team India skipper M.S. Dhoni to participate in the scheme, but endeavours were allegedly always half-baked.
"The key to sustain adoption schemes is to garner interest. There are so many schools, institutions, organisations and industries, which can invest in our animals, but nothing will materialise till we make the first move. Willingness and initiative are largely missing as far as the management is concerned," said another candid animal keeper at the biological park.
Birsa zoo director Ashok Kumar said they would soon work out a plan to woo sponsors. "It is difficult to say why no one is showing interest in our adoption scheme. Maybe, wildlife doesn't interest most people. We will explore ways to whip up interest. We shall write to old clients and request them to renew ties," he promised.
