Kumble shows the way, adopts cobra

TNN
Bellevision Media Network

BANGALORE, 05 August 2010: Veteran cricketer Anil Kumble, who is the vice chairman of State Board for Wildlife, adopted a cobra at the Bannerghatta Biological Park as part of the animal adoption drive that he inaugurated on Wednesday. The two-month-long drive is aimed at raising awareness among the citizens, particularly the youth, about how they can contribute towards wildlife conservation. Organized by The Samhita Academy, Green Matrix organization and the Bannerghatta Biological Park, the drive aims at raising funds for food, healthcare and new enclosures.

 

Emphasising on the need for adoption of animals, Kumble said: "It is a novel idea and people can adopt animals for even one day and for occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. This is a nice way of conserving nature.’’ Kannada actor Aindrita Ray said she liked tigers, and would adopt one for a year. There was an inter-school drawing and painting competition and a safari for children on the occasion.

 

According to Jayakumar, additional principal chief conservator of forests and member secretary, Zoo Authority of Karnataka, there are more than 74 different species of animals and birds at Bannerghatta park. The adoption drive would end on October 4 culminating during the World Wildlife Week.

 

ADOPTION AND TAX BENEFIT

 

The adoption rate is Rs 2 lakh per year for elephants, while it is Rs 1.45 lakh per annum for tigers and Rs 1.7 lakh per annum for lions. There are adoption programmes for a day or week or even a month apart from the annual scheme. "The Income Tax department acknowledging the welfare of animals has given a blanket exemption under section 80(G) for people taking up adoption,’’ Jayakumar said.

 

MEAT PROBLEM

 

According to Jayakumar, Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK), needs about 1,800 kg of beef every day to feed the animals. Asked about the anti-cow slaughter act which will prevent the feeding of beef, he said he had written a letter to the additional chief secretary in this regard.