For four children, the best way of using their pocket money seemed to be spending on adopting two newborn tiger cubs, Adithya and Karna, at Vandalur zoo, for a day.
P. Kaushika and P. Prem of Pozhichalur, M. Lokesh of Poombuhar in Nagapattinam district and J. Amitha Jamima of Vandalur joined an elite club by adopting the animals about a week ago, after donating Rs. 2,000, said K.S.S.V.P. Reddy, additional principal, chief conservator of forests and zoo director.
Kaushika said, a few months ago, she heard about the Chief Minister naming newborn tiger cubs at the zoo. This helped her realise the importance of tiger conservation, and she decided to donate her pocket money, she said.
“It took nearly 15 days for me get Rs. 600, which I donated for the adoption programme. My brother, Prem, donated Rs. 500, which he was able to get within a short period,” Kaushika said.
Lokesh said it took nearly three months for him to save Rs. 500, all of which went towards the adoption programme. “We are now thinking of adopting a tiger throughout its life, for which we have already started saving,” said Kaushika.
Mr. Reddy said the adoption programme was aimed at spreading awareness on conservation among children, and also at creating the feeling of compassion among them. The programme has been designed to suit the corporate sector as well as those who can contribute only small amounts. Individuals can donate Rs. 100 and adopt a bird or a small mammal for a day, he added.
