Symbolic adoptions at Visakhapatnam zoo rise 60% as families choose wildlife over gifts

On the morning of his birthday, instead of gifts, chocolates and cakes, Sohan Gowtham Yenneti had something else in mind. A frequent visitor to Visakhapatnam's Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP), he wanted his special day to include the animal he always stopped to admire. He 'adopted' a red-necked wallaby under the zoo's animal adoption programme, adding his name to a steadily expanding list of citizens who are finding uncommon ways to support wildlife conservation.

His decision reflects a growing trend at the zoo over the past year. Symbolic animal adoption, once an occasional gesture by wildlife enthusiasts, is drawing increasing participation from families, school children, corporate organisations and individuals who wish to mark birthdays, anniversaries and other milestones with a contribution that extends beyond a single day. A symbolic adoption is a charitable donation rather than physically taking an animal home.

The numbers reflect that change. During the last financial year, IGZP recorded 80 animal adoptions, compared with 50 during the previous year, representing a 60% increase. Families continue to account for the largest share, with 72 family adoptions, while schools, colleges and corporate organisations are also beginning to participate with greater regularity. IGZP curator G Mangamma attributes the rise to a combination of sustained outreach and changing public attitudes towards wildlife. “People are gradually looking for meaningful ways to celebrate important occasions. Instead of spending on parties or gifts, many families are choosing to contribute towards the care of an animal. It gives children an opportunity to understand conservation in a very personal way,” she says.

The programme allows visitors to adopt an animal for a day, a month or a year by contributing towards its upkeep. The animal continues to remain under the care of the zoo, while the adopter receives an adoption certificate, complimentary entry benefits, a souvenir kit and, depending on the category, recognition at the enclosure. Contributions also qualify for income tax exemption under Section 80G.

Those opting for higher-value adoption categories receive complimentary entry to the zoo for multiple visits. These adopters also have their names displayed on a board outside the adopted animal's enclosure. Additionally, some high-value category adopters enjoy unlimited zoo visits for a specified number of people during the adoption period. While these benefits acknowledge the adopter's support, zoo officials emphasise that the lasting takeaway is a closer understanding of wildlife conservation.

The appeal cuts across age groups. While tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos and black panthers continue to attract considerable interest because of their popularity among visitors, several adopters are increasingly choosing reptiles, birds and lesser-known mammals. Macaws, peafowl, swans, crocodiles, snakes and tortoises also find enthusiastic supporters.

Mangamma believes that this widening preference is an encouraging sign. “We are particularly happy when visitors adopt species that usually receive less public attention. Every animal contributes to the ecological balance. When someone chooses a jackal, wild dog, crocodile or owl, it shows a deeper appreciation of biodiversity,” she says.

Many of the programme's most memorable stories involve children. Parents increasingly report that the idea originates mostly with young visitors who form an attachment to a particular animal during repeated zoo visits. Some families now request relatives to contribute towards a 'symbolic' adoption instead of purchasing birthday presents.

“Children are often the strongest ambassadors for wildlife. We have seen them persuade parents to adopt their favourite animals. That emotional bond stays with them and encourages lasting concern for conservation,” Mangamma observes.

The educational value extends beyond symbolic adoption. During the past year, the zoo has also conducted outreach programmes in schools and colleges, explaining the importance of biodiversity and the role of zoos in conservation. Officials say that such initiatives have helped demystify the adoption process and encouraged more people to participate.

The trend at Visakhapatnam is part of a broader movement across Indian zoos, where symbolic adoption programmes are gaining traction as a way to bridge public engagement and conservation funding. While the monetary contributions help zoos maintain enclosures and provide animal care, the deeper benefit, officials say, is the creation of a more informed and empathetic public.

For Sohan, the adoption was not merely a transaction. It was a personal gesture that turned a birthday into an act of stewardship. His name now stands outside the wallaby enclosure, a small marker of a larger shift in how people choose to celebrate life's milestones.