29 Himachal wild animals still await sponsors

Many have come forward to adopt wild animals in a Himachal Pradesh nature park, but wildlife officials say more foster parents or sponsors are needed.

The scenic Kufri nature park, some 16 km uphill from Shimla, is home to over five dozen high altitude rare and endangered animals and birds.

In an effort to promote their conservation, the Himachal wildlife department had two years ago decided to put up these animals for adoption.

The park was set up some fifteen years ago on 90 hectares, located at over 9,000 feet above sea level.

"So far 34 animals have been adopted. These include one snow leopard, seven ghoral deer, four brown bear, and several kinds of Himalayan pheasents including cheer, wild fowl, silver pheasent, the khaleej and the highly colourful monal pheasent," said RS Chauhan, warden of the nature park.

"29 more animals, including a snow leopard and a brown bear, three ghoral and many pheasents, are still looking for foster parents," he said.

Animals have been adopted by a cross section of people including private and state-run companies based in Shimla, besides animal lovers.

"If you adopt a snow leopard, the cost per month is Rs 9,450. It is Rs 1,500 for a brown bear and Rs 200 for a pheasent," said another official.

"Those who sponsor (or adopt) also enjoy other facilities, such as a name plate displayed at the enclosure of the animal, five free passes of the park, etc," the official said.