Kumble adopts King Cobra, elephant may be next

Bangalore, Aug 5: Kicking off the two-month-long animal adoption awareness drive at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), vice-chairman of the state wildlife board and veteran cricketer, Anil Kumble on Wednesday, Aug 5 adopted a King Cobra.

Kumble handed over a check of Rs 25,000 to the national park even though the amount for adoption of cobra is just Rs 2,500. BBP will now be preparing a budget plan for utilisation of the remaining Rs 22,500.

“I have decided to adopt a king cobra. Not for any particular reason, though," the ace cricketer told a newspaper.

"I don"t know why Rahul (Dravid), who has also expressed interest in king cobras, does not adopt one. I have come with a cheque. I am interested in adopting an elephant too. And I hope to motivate others to adopt animals too," he is quoted as saying in DNA.

The animal adoption awareness drive, aimed at giving a boost to adoption of animals across all eight zoos in Karnataka, will culminate on Oct 4 with celebrations of World Wildlife Week.

Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) has come up with uniform adoption rates applicable to all animals in zoos under its authority. The rates range from Rs 750 to Rs 1.75 lakh for adopting an animal for a year.

If annual adoption rates are too costly, there are adoption programmes for a day or week or even a month.

The adoption money will obtain a tax benefit too as the Income Tax department has given a blanket exemption under section 80(G).

Inspired? Do your bit, adopt an animal.

Contact: The Executive Director and Conservator of Forests, Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore — 560 083

Phone: 080 7828540/7828300

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.bannerghattabiopark.in

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