School adopts tigers in zoo

LUDHIANA: Joining ToI's 'bear & foster' campaign for adopting animals in the zoo, Guru Nanak Public School, Sarabha Nagar, has donated Rs50,000 to the Ludhiana Zoo. The school has adopted both the big cats in the Ludhiana Tiger Safari - Deepak and Money - for one month. The cheque was handed over by the school authority to the divisional forest officer Surjit Singh Sahota during the 39th Annual Athlete Meet of the school on Friday.Moreover, on the occasion, the school sensitized all parents and students towards animals, and promoted the 'Animals Adoption Scheme'.
Talking to ToI, general secretary of Guru Nanak Public School, Surinder Singh Ryait, said: "What else could be a good cause, but the feeding of wildlife animals? Moreover, I believe that by doing this, we would be able to set an example for students to be compassionate. Now, students will be directly involved in the zoo's activities, and so they will feel attached with them, and I am sure they will keep helping and showing their compassion towards wildlife animals."
Ryait was also concerned for young children, as he felt the younger generation is growing aloof from nature and spots like zoos. "In our times, places like the zoo used to be exciting for kids. But now, the zoo might not be as exciting for children, because we have neither developed zoo parks, nor have we made our children familiar with wildlife animals. Not only for entertainment, but also for awareness and compassion, we should promote zoo parks so that the coming generation can value these animals", he added.
School principal Mona Singh said: "We had no idea that the 'Animal Adoption Scheme' had been existing since 2009. I appreciate the campaign of 'The Times of India' for making us aware about it. There should be more awareness about this scheme, and more people should be sensitized about animals. Wildlife animals are precious to us, like the tiger is a vital part of our food chain, and so they need to be protected, otherwise we have to be ready to face the consequences. We have adopted two big cats for one month, and we will support the zoo whole-heartedly."
Sahota said: "I am grateful to the management of Guru Nanak Public School. They have contributed a huge amount and have shown their concern for the wildlife animals. Moreover, they have set an example for others too, and I hope more institutions will come ahead for the adoption."
Schools students were feeling exciting and privileged of adopting two big cats. As soon as they were informed that they could also name both the tigers and have a selfie with them, their excitement went over the top. Jashanpreet Singh, a student of class X, and vice-head boy of the school, said: "Our school has adopted two tigers. Now, I will ask my parents to adopt some bird or animal for me."