Lahore Zoo’s animal adoption programme allows members of the public, corporations and other organisations to support the zoo by covering the feeding expenses of animals for a specified period.
According to the zoo’s official website, adopters can choose animals to support and contribute towards the institution’s animal food bill, which exceeds Rs75 million (7.5 crore). The scheme is intended to help meet feeding costs and support the zoo’s welfare efforts.
Under the programme, adopters receive a recognition certificate and educational material about the zoo. They are also entitled to complimentary visits during the adoption period, while their names or messages can be displayed on the animal’s enclosure.
The adoption scheme does not involve taking an animal home. According to the zoo’s frequently asked questions page, the animal remains at the zoo while the adopter covers its feeding expenses.
The programme is open to individuals, corporations and other organisations interested in adopting one or more animals for a specified duration.
Lahore Zoo has recently revived the scheme, with a private school adopting a male hippopotamus, a local media outlet reported.
The outlet stated that the annual adoption fee for lions and tigers has been set at Rs1 million. The annual fee for a hippopotamus is Rs600,000, while a giraffe can be adopted for Rs300,000. The fee for a deer is Rs100,000, while other antelope can be adopted for Rs150,000.
Established in 1872, Lahore Zoological Garden is located in the heart of the city and is among the oldest zoos in the world. The zoo’s official website says it covers 24 acres, housing more than 1,200 animals belonging to over 110 species.
Its prominent residents include Bengal brown and white tigers, African lions, white rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, chimpanzees and black bears.
The zoo’s website also highlights its role in conservation and education, with activities including educational programmes, awareness campaigns, wildlife-related events, animal naming ceremonies and interactive sessions.
