Over Rs one crore and counting…! After actor Darshan’s appeal, hefty funds flow to zoos in six days
2 min read
Mysuru: Over Rs one crore and counting…This is the amount of funds filling the coffers of Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) in a span of six days.
All the credit goes to Challenging Star Darshan, who is not just a hero on screen, but off screen too, that is proven once again.
Following a video appeal of Darshan to help ZAK by adopting animals to help their upkeep, the people irrespective of fans and animal lovers are generously responding, by doling out according to their reach.
According to ZAK sources, “about 3881 people have adopted the animals congributing Rs 1 Crore 47,000 in the form of animal adoption fee. All this, from June 5 to 10.”
Before that, in a period of 11 months, from July 29, 2020 to June 4, 2021, the ZAK had received Rs 17.96 lakh through animal adoption fee.
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru Zoo) is the highest beneficiary with Rs 51. 75 lakh, followed by Bannerghatta Zoo Rs 29.83 lakh, Shivamogga Zoo Rs 7.24 lakh, Gadag Zoo Rs 2.66 lakh, Hampi Zoo Rs 2.42 lakh, Belagavi Zoo Rs 2.22 lakh, Davangere Zoo Rs 1.94 lakh, Chitradurga Zoo Rs 1.49 lakh and Kalaburagi Zoo Rs 89,300, totaling Rs one crore and 47,000.
When the first wave of Covid induced lockdown in 2020 hit the Zoos, District Minister S T Somashekar took the lead and succeeded to mobilise nearly Rs three crore. Now, in the second wave and lockdown, Darshan and his followers are contributing to the zoos.
In July 2020, Zoo Authority of Karnataka and its member secretary B P Ravi launched the unique digital app based system for animal adoption. It is to boost adoption and across the world animal lovers adopted the animals on the app.
The Mysuru zoo launched the animal adoption scheme in October 21, 2001. Since then it has found traction and has kindled interest about being a part of conservation of animals.
As ZAK grew bigger with a total of nine zoos under its purview, the animal adoption scheme was extended to other zoos too.
On June 5, World Environment Day, Darshan who is also Karnataka Forest Department’s ambassador visited Mysuru Zoo and sent a video message to fans and animal lovers, with an appeal to adopt animals and birds, starting from Rs 1000 to Rs 1.75 lakh.
Hundreds of wildlife enthusiasts adopted animals, via mobile app of Zoo Authority of Karnataka.
Even the fans of Darshan and his friends and sandalwood actors are adopting the animals.
Actors Devaraj, Srujan Lokesh, Chikkanna, Upendra and Shylaja Nag and Darshan’s fan Mahendra Singh Kalappa from Banur, Darshan Abhimanigala Sangha, Challenging Star Fans Association and several others have followed the suit.
– Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
