Manoj Tiwari, Ravi Kishan to adopt animals at Patna zoo

Bhojpuri film actors Manoj Tiwari and Ravi Kishan have expressed interest in adopting animals at the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park here, officials said Saturday.

While Manoj Tiwari is keen on adopting a lion, Ravi Kishan wants to adopt a lion and a chimpanzee, a zoo official said.

"Both Manoj Tiwari and Ravi Kishan have approached us for adopting animals at the zoo," said Abhay Kumar, director of Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park.

The actors confirmed to IANS over phone that they would adopt the animals soon as part of their effort to raise awareness among people about animal conservation.

"I am eager to adopt a lion and some other animals. But waiting for a list from the zoo authorities before taking the final decision in this regard," Ravi Kishan said.

"I have decided to adopt a lion because it is an endangered animal. Hope to visit the Patna zoo on Sep 30 to complete the formality in this connection," Manoj Tiwari said.

Last month, the Bihar government launched the 'Adopt an Animal' scheme at the zoo, following which about 100 animals, including birds, have been adopted by people, organisations and companies.

The adopters were given a memento and a certificate by the zoo authorities.

Under the programme, animals can be adopted for a period of five years to a month by paying a fee, according to a zoo official.

The whole zoo can be adopted -- but only for a day.

"The fee includes the food and medical cost of animals. Under the scheme, a sign board with the company's logo or the name of the person adopting the animal will be displayed outside the enclosure," the official added.

The Patna zoo is one of the 21 large zoological gardens in India and the only one in Bihar. There are about 1,200 animals and birds in the park, which is spread over 153 acres.