Adopt an animal, invite good fortune

Chennai: The Arinagar Anna zoological park adoption programme, which has been growing since its launch four years ago, was initiated with the aim to promote compassion among humans towards animals.

R. Vijayalakshmi of Nanganalur, is one among many to have been inspired by other factors towards adopting an animal under the programme.

She believes that those born under the Bharani star will receive good fortune if they feed an elephant. “For the past three years, I have been adopting an elephant for 11 days during Navaratri,” she said.

Principal of GSS Jain College for Women, Dr M.K. Malathi had adopted a snake for two days in 2013. “As we worship snake gods, we believe that feeding a snake will bring us good luck and fortune,” she said. Due to personal problems, however, she was unable to visit the snake. She hopes to adopt another snake soon and also make it a point to visit it.  

Statistics at the zoo show that it had received a sum of Rs 4,47,000 in 2015 compared with 2014’s Rs 3,77,000. Awareness about the programme is mainly created through word of mouth.

The Chief Minister had also given advertisements on the same in newspapers and the zoo authorities worked out the costs for each animal per day. “Those who adopt an animal for over a year will have their names inscribed on a nameplate outside the cage,” said a biologist at the zoo.

Apart from general public, many celebrities, companies and schools have also adopted animals under this programme. However, it was seen that the number of celebrities participating in this programme have been dwindling each year which was clear from last year’s statistics which showed no involvement on the part of any celebrities.

“The programme is a great initiative to encourage individuals to express their love and concern for animals,” said L.K. Kumaran, under whose presidentship the Rotary Club of Maraimalai Nagar, had adopted a Lion Tailed Macaque for a year.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Tiruchy, has, in the past few years, adopted a number of animals — each for one year- for a total sum of Rs 2,89,169.

Kollywood actor Karthi was said to have adopted a white tiger in 2011. Actor Surya, too, had adopted a white tiger a few years ago.