Deputy CM Pawan adopts two giraffes at Vizag Zoo, urges corporates to participate in wildlife protection
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forests and Environment Pawan Kalyan on Thursday urged corporates and citizens to actively participate in protecting animals and supporting zoos.
By Newsmeter Network
Visakhapatnam: Calling wildlife conservation crucial for environmental balance and sustainability, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forests and Environment Pawan Kalyan on Thursday urged corporates and citizens to actively participate in protecting animals and supporting zoos.
Pawan adopts two giraffes
He said conservation should be a shared responsibility and appealed to corporate houses to come forward as partners in zoo development.
As part of his visit to the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park here, the Deputy CM adopted two giraffes on his mother Anjana Devi’s birthday and announced that he would bear their maintenance expenses for one year.
Appeal for corporate participation
Addressing officials during the inspection, Pawan Kalyan said zoos in India play a vital role in protecting endangered species and educating the public about wildlife conservation.
“Corporations should become partners in zoo development. They can adopt animals of their choice and take responsibility for their care. Wildlife protection is not the government’s duty alone; it belongs to all of us,” he said.
He noted that his family shares a deep love for animals and that animal welfare is given priority at his home as well.
Tour of zoo facilities
The Deputy CM toured the zoo extensively, interacting with officials and staff to understand animal care practices and available facilities. He began with a visit to the Butterfly Park near the rear gate, where he enquired about different species, their feeding patterns, and conservation methods.
Pawan Kalyan personally released butterflies collected for the park and gently guided them onto plants when they fluttered onto his attire.
He later inspected the hippopotamus enclosure, sought details on feeding schedules, names assigned by caretakers and safety measures being followed.
Inauguration of bear enclosure
Pawan Kalyan also inaugurated a newly developed bear enclosure at the zoo.
He reviewed details of the two sloth bears housed there and fed them personally. His tour also included the deer park, lion and tiger enclosures, African macaws and the elephant camp.
Adhering strictly to zoo protocols, he sanitised himself before entering sensitive areas and interacted closely with caretakers. At the giraffe enclosure, he offered their favourite food, fig leaves and bananas, and enquired about their origin, age and overall health from zoo staff.
Visit to Kambalakonda Eco Park
After the zoo inspection, the Deputy CM visited the Kambalakonda Eco Park, where he inaugurated an urban forest developed over 50 acres under the Forest Department.
He undertook a 400-metre canopy walk on a wooden bridge, observing diverse tree species such as neem, mahogany, bamboo, jackfruit and others, and learnt about their scientific names and ecological benefits
