Poor response to wildlife adoption scheme in Sirmaur
The Forest Department, through its Wildlife Wing, has been actively promoting wildlife conservation under the ‘Adopt an Animal and donation’ scheme. Launched in 2022, the initiative aims to involve citizens, institutions and corporate entities in the care of animals housed in the state’s zoos and aviaries. However, despite its noble intent, the programme at the Renuka Ji Mini Zoo in Sirmaur district has seen limited success.
So far, only one leopard has been adopted under the scheme at this mini zoo, with Ambuja Cement Corporation Limited renewing its adoption of the animal for next year. No other wildlife adoptions have been recorded at the facility, highlighting the lack of engagement from both corporate sector and local stakeholders.
Shahnawaz Bhatt, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Shimla Wildlife Division, says, “We have reached out to prominent corporate entities, urging them to adopt animals at the Renuka Ji Mini Zoo. Unfortunately, the response has been underwhelming and the zoo continues to await more participants in the initiative.”
Although the scheme has facilitated the adoption of around two dozen animals across Himachal Pradesh, Renuka Ji Mini Zoo remains underrepresented. Prominent state leaders like Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh have embraced the initiative by adopting a Monal and a Jajurana, respectively. However, no leader from the district has stepped forward to adopt animals at the local facility.
The scheme allows individuals and institutions to adopt animals by covering their annual upkeep costs, including feeding, medication and maintenance of enclosures. Contributors also enjoy tax benefits under the Income Tax Act. Animals are categorised into different groups, with adoption charges varying accordingly. The charges range from Rs 12,000 for a red junglefowl to Rs 1.5 lakh for a leopard, with corresponding benefits such as annual zoo passes, recognition on enclosures, adoption certificates and website mentions. Adopted animals remain in the zoo, with funds exclusively allocated for their welfare.
The Renuka Ji Mini Zoo is home to a wide range of wildlife, including three leopards, one male Himalayan black bear, various deer species, 20 barasinghas, 13 Indian geese, 11 red junglefowls and one emu. The zoo is also set to welcome a pair of Bengal tigers from Maharashtra by March next year, pending approval from the Central Zoo Authority.
Bhatt says, “This scheme isn’t just about financial assistance. It aims to foster environmental awareness and encourage active participation in conservation efforts. The funds are utilised for the animals’ nutrition, medication and habitat maintenance.”
As the state government continues its outreach, the Renuka Ji Mini Zoo stands as a unique opportunity for individuals and organisations to contribute to wildlife conservation while gaining recognition for their efforts. The hope remains that increased awareness will spur participation in this vital initiative.
