Sandalwood actor Dhanveerrah, who is a wildlife enthusiast, has adopted a leopard (Kruti) and black panther (Minchu) from Shivamogga Zoo, for a period of one year. The actor had adopted a black panther from Mysuru Zoo for a period of one year last September.

Speaking to us, Dhanveerrah says, “Zoos across Karnataka are facing financial crunch for the second consecutive year due to COVID-19, as they depend on revenue generated from footfalls to feed the animals and to maintain the zoo. Due to the lockdown, zoos are now depending on donors to tide over the crisis. This made me adopt a leopard and black panther. Shivamogga Zoo is because it gets very less financial support from the government compared to other zoos in Karnataka. Animals need to be fed, we can't allow them to starve in these tough times. As I couldn’t travel due to the lockdown, I did an online transaction and adopted. Once everything returns to normalcy, I will catch the glimpse of animals I have adopted."

About his passion for wild animals, Dhanveerrah says, “I have always been interested in wildlife since my childhood days. I miss going on safaris in Bandipur and Nagarahole which I did last year.”

How you can adopt an animal

To ease the process, Zoo Authority of Karnataka launched a mobile phone application last July so that people sitting anywhere can adopt animals and contribute for conservation, rescue and rehabilitation. People can contribute starting from '50.

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