Visakhapatnam Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) is witnessing a steady rise in symbolic animal adoptions. Families, schools, colleges and corporate organisations increasingly celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and memorable occasions by supporting wildlife conservation. Instead of spending money on parties, expensive gifts or elaborate celebrations, many visitors now sponsor animals through the zoo’s adoption programme. On his birthday, regular visitor Sohan Gowtham Yenneti adopted a red-necked wallaby instead of accepting conventional presents. His thoughtful decision reflected a growing movement among citizens who want their celebrations to create a lasting environmental impact. The zoo allows adopters to support an animal’s care without taking it home. Officials believe this initiative encourages people to build a stronger emotional connection with wildlife while promoting conservation awareness. The programme continues attracting participants who seek meaningful experiences beyond traditional festivities and material celebrations.
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Animal Adoption Programme Records Significant Growth
The zoo’s adoption programme has recorded remarkable growth during the past financial year. IGZP registered 80 symbolic adoptions compared with 50 adoptions during the previous financial year. This impressive increase represents a 60 percent rise in public participation. Families accounted for the majority with 72 adoptions, while educational institutions and corporate organisations also increased their involvement. Zoo Curator G. Mangamma credited the success to consistent awareness campaigns and changing public attitudes toward wildlife conservation. She explained that families now prefer contributing towards animal welfare instead of organising expensive celebrations. According to her, children especially benefit from these experiences because they develop a personal understanding of conservation. Officials believe these interactions help visitors appreciate biodiversity while encouraging responsible environmental behaviour. The programme continues inspiring citizens to celebrate important milestones through meaningful contributions that support wildlife protection.
The adoption programme allows visitors to sponsor an animal for one day, one month or one year. Every contribution directly supports the animal’s food, healthcare and overall maintenance inside the zoo. Adopters receive an official adoption certificate, complimentary zoo entry, souvenir kits and recognition based on their sponsorship category. Higher-value contributors also enjoy multiple free visits and display their names outside the adopted animal’s enclosure. Some premium adopters receive unlimited zoo access for a specified number of visitors throughout the adoption period. Contributions under the programme also qualify for income tax benefits under Section 80G. Zoo officials emphasise that these rewards primarily recognise public support for conservation efforts. However, they believe the programme’s greatest achievement remains educating people about wildlife protection while encouraging lifelong commitment toward preserving biodiversity and endangered species.
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Children and Lesser-Known Species Gain Greater Attention
The programme attracts participants across different age groups and social backgrounds throughout Visakhapatnam. Popular animals like tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos and black panthers continue receiving strong public support. However, visitors increasingly adopt reptiles, birds and lesser-known mammals, expanding conservation awareness beyond iconic wildlife. Macaws, peafowl, swans, crocodiles, snakes, tortoises and jackals now attract enthusiastic adopters. Curator Mangamma welcomed this changing preference because every species plays an essential role in maintaining ecological balance. Many parents revealed that their children often suggest adopting favourite animals after repeated zoo visits. Young visitors develop emotional connections with wildlife and encourage their families to support conservation instead of purchasing birthday gifts. During adoption events, zoo keepers explain each animal’s diet, behaviour, conservation status and daily care, helping participants better understand wildlife management and environmental responsibility.
The growing popularity of symbolic adoption has encouraged IGZP to expand the programme further. Zoo officials plan dedicated campaigns encouraging people to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and memorial occasions through wildlife sponsorship. They also intend to organise school awareness programmes, CSR partnerships and digital campaigns promoting conservation participation. Officials will recognise repeat adopters and long-term supporters while conducting special drives during Wildlife Week and World Environment Day. Senior veterinarian Dr. P. Bhanu Babu has already demonstrated his commitment by adopting the endangered sarus crane. Similar adoption programmes at Mysuru Zoo, Chennai’s Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Sydney’s Taronga Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance have successfully strengthened public involvement in conservation. IGZP hopes its expanding initiative will inspire more people to develop meaningful relationships with wildlife while contributing directly toward animal welfare and biodiversity conservation.
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