Cash-strapped and finding it extremely difficult to feed its animals two square meals, the Nagaland Zoological Park is now quoting from the Holy Bible to encourage citizens to come forward and adopt animals.
“Isaiah 43:20-21 – The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise” reads lines from the Holy Bible in one of the posters of the unique Animal Adoption programme that has been launched today by Nagaland’s only zoo.
Since Nagaland is a Christian majority state, zoo authorities say they felt quotes from the Holy Bible might get more ears to their appeal.
350 animals belonging to 135 species, which do include some of the endangered species, are up for adoption. From extremely endangered Hoolock Gibbon to Slow Loris, and Forest Eagle Owl, and even four species of Nagaland’s State bird Hornbill, are up for adoption by paying a yearly fee which can again be renewed the next year, authorities have informed NDTV.
The animals will stay in the zoo, but the adopted parents will get special holiday access, authorities added.
“The Animal adoption helps to ensure the animals at the zoo receive the nutritious diet they require, the best healthcare possible and a safe and happy environment to live. It will also support conservation and breeding programmes and raise awareness of the plight of animals,” M Lokeswara Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force of Nagaland said in an official press release.
This is the first time any zoo in the northeast has started such an initiative, and perhaps the first time in the country that all animals of any zoo have been put up for adoption.