Jorhat, Nov. 1: A severe resource crunch has forced the authorities of Nagaland Zoological Park at Rangapahar near Dimapur to ask the people to adopt the inmates.

"With an increasing number of animals every year, the park is facing a resource crunch to feed the animals and maintain the zoo. We have decided to launch this unique scheme of adoption of animals," the principal chief conservator of forests and head of the Nagaland forest force, M. Lokeswara Rao, said today.

Rao said once a person or a group adopted an animal after completing all formalities, they would receive an "adopt packet",along with a certificate, in their name.

They would also be given free passes and free parking to visit the zoo once a month for a year.

"The adoption packet will have a photo of the adopted animal, a write-up on it including its character, feeding habits, behaviour, distribution in the wild, conservation status, importance in the ecosystem and a membership card for adoption. The name of the adopter will also be displayed in front of the residing place of the adopted animal. This will convey a message to the visitors to participate in the conservation process," he said.

The zoological park, which is an initiative for conservation and protection of biodiversity, has over 300 animals.

Some of the unique species of birds and animals displayed at the zoo are endangered hoolock gibbon, slow loris, forest eagle owl and fish owl, besides four species of hornbill. These are the great Indian hornbill, oriental pied hornbill, rufous-necked hornbill and wreathed hornbill.

The zoo also has a deer park safari where spotted deer are being kept as free-ranging animals.

Several captive wild animals, including a number of threatened and endangered species, are exhibited in the park. The park is used for research and also serves as a centre for conservation of wildlife in the region.

Rao said the zoo had been receiving a large number of different species of wild animals in the last couple of years as donations from various individuals and organisations. "This is mainly due to increasing awareness in Nagaland towards conservation," he said.

This, however, has increased the number of animals, resulting in a funds crunch.

"With the donated animals, the total number of animals in the zoo is approximately 350 now. This has put pressure on the authorities to maintain the park," Rao said.

According to the forest official, anyone can adopt any animal, no matter how big or small.

"The adoption programme allows individuals, groups, corporations, institutes, organisations and families to participate and make a valuable contribution towards the welfare of the animals housed in our zoo," he said, adding that this would be an opportunity for the citizens to take care of the zoo animals.

"Any interested individual or group can adopt an animal by paying for its annual feed and maintenance for a specific period of time. The animal adoption helps to ensure the animals at the zoo get the nutritious diet they require, the best healthcare possible and a safe and happy environment to live," Rao said.