Animal adoptions rise at Visakhapatnam zoo as families celebrate birthdays with wildlife

Published 31 July 2026 · local

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

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. A meaningful keepsake 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.