LAHORE: Lahore Zoo’s animal adoption scheme is attracting interest from citizens, schools and other institutions, but animal welfare experts have stressed that sponsorship programmes must ultimately improve the living conditions and care of captive wildlife.
Under the initiative, adopters can sponsor animals for fixed periods and receive certificates and educational material. Their names may also be displayed on animal enclosures. However, adoption does not mean taking an animal home.
A private school recently adopted a male hippopotamus named “Gabo” by its students. The programme allows sponsors to visit the animals, learn about their health and diet and offer suggestions regarding their care.
Deputy Director Shahzaib Khurshid said individuals and institutions could adopt animals for one, three or six months, or for a full year.
Veterinary Officer Dr Muhammad Azhar said the zoo administration would remain responsible for the animals’ feeding, healthcare and overall welfare regardless of sponsorship.
Adoption fees vary by animal
According to the zoo administration, annual sponsorship fees vary depending on the species.
The yearly fee for lions, tigers and other big cats is Rs1 million, while sponsoring a hippopotamus costs Rs600,000. A giraffe can be adopted for Rs300,000, while the annual fee for a fawn is Rs100,000 and other antelopes costs Rs150,000.
People interested in shorter sponsorship periods can contact the zoo administration for details about the applicable fees.
The adoption concept is not new to Lahore Zoo. Celebrities and educational institutions have previously participated in similar initiatives.
Actress Reema adopted two fawns after becoming a goodwill ambassador, while Babra Sharif sponsored a lion cub named “Shainko”. Actress Meera, the University of the Punjab, Government College University and several private educational institutions have also taken part in animal adoption programmes.
Citizens see adoption as a way to support wildlife
Citizen Abdul Rehman said the initiative could provide an opportunity for people interested in wildlife but unable to keep animals themselves.
He said zoo-based adoption allowed enthusiasts to support animals while ensuring that the animals remained in an environment equipped to provide their basic needs.
Student Nida Fatima suggested expanding the programme to include birds as well, saying a wider range of species could encourage more students and members of the public to participate in wildlife conservation.
Similar schemes operate across the region
Animal adoption and sponsorship programmes are also offered by zoos in other parts of South Asia.
Mysore Zoo in India has reportedly generated significant revenue through its adoption programme. Its sponsorship fees include different rates for animals such as elephants, lions, tigers, hippopotamuses and deer.
Zoos in Delhi and Hyderabad also offer sponsorship opportunities to families, schools and companies for animals including lions, tigers and elephants.
International animal welfare principles emphasise that such programmes should contribute to the wellbeing of the animals rather than simply providing promotional opportunities for sponsors.
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) says animal welfare involves suitable habitats, good health, social needs and opportunities for animals to express natural behaviours.
Experts call for better facilities
Animal rights activist and lawyer Altamash Saeed supported the concept of zoo-based adoption but said greater attention should be given to animal welfare.
He said keeping wild animals in homes was wrong and illegal, while recognised zoos could provide a safer environment for people wishing to support wildlife.
Saeed called for better facilities, larger enclosures and stricter monitoring. He stressed that animals should not be treated merely as a source of entertainment and that their welfare should remain the central priority.
Wildlife regulations restrict the keeping of large wild animals in urban homes, particularly species that require specialised care and pose risks to people.
Experts say adoption programmes can contribute to conservation and animal welfare if sponsorship funds are used transparently and directed towards improving enclosures, veterinary care, nutrition and other essential needs.
Scheme available across Punjab
Additional Chief Wildlife Ranger for Central Punjab Mudassar Hassan said the adoption initiative was not limited to Lahore Zoo.
He said citizens and institutions could adopt animals at zoos and safari parks across Punjab.
Hassan also warned against keeping large cats such as lions and tigers in private homes, saying such animals require specialised enclosures, appropriate diets, veterinary facilities and trained handlers.
According to wildlife officials, adoption at recognised facilities offers a safer alternative for people who want to support animals without putting themselves, the public or the animals at unnecessary risk.
The growing interest in Lahore Zoo’s adoption programme has therefore also highlighted a broader question: whether sponsorship revenue can be translated into measurable improvements in animal welfare and living conditions behind the enclosures.
