Actor Vijay Sethupathi adopted two tigers at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park on Sunday.
On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, he visited the zoo and handed over ₹5 lakh for the maintenance of the two tigers for a period of six months.
The tigers — Adhithya, born on March 23, 2014, and Arthi, born on November 7, 2012 — were adopted by the actor under the animal adoption programme introduced by the zoo in 2010.
Till date, around 159 individuals, private companies and government undertakings and banks have adopted animals. Between 2009 and 2018, the zoo received nearly ₹72 lakh from the adoption programme.
Actors Suriya, Karthi and Sivakarthikeyan have come forward to contribute to the programme. Yogesh Singh, director, AAZP, said those interested in conservation of wild animals could take a step forward by adopting the animals.
Based on the amount contributed, adopters are categorised as diamond, gold, silver and bronze. They receive a certificate and receipt for adoption by e-mail. The amount spent is eligible for income tax exemption under Section 80G.
