Visakhapatnam

Anna Konidala, wife of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, has adopted an Asiatic elephant and a Royal Bengal tiger at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) here for one year under its Animal Adoption Programme.

G Mangamma, curator of IGZP or Vizag Zoo, said Anna Konidala adopted the two animals on her birthday by contributing a total of Rs 6.3 lakh towards their care and welfare for one year.

"IGZP welcomes Anna Konidala to the Zoo's Animal Adoption Family and sincerely appreciates her valuable contribution towards animal welfare, zoo management and wildlife conservation," said Mangamma in a press release late on Friday.

According to the curator, Anna Konidala contributed Rs 4.3 lakh towards the adoption of the Asiatic elephant, India's National Heritage Animal, and Rs 2 lakh towards the adoption of the Royal Bengal tiger, the country's National Animal.

She said the contribution would support the animals' care, nutrition, environmental enrichment and veterinary welfare while reinforcing the importance of wildlife conservation.

Mangamma said the gesture would inspire people to celebrate special occasions by supporting wildlife conservation initiatives.

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The curator observed that the Zoo's Animal Adoption Programme enables individuals, families, educational institutions, organisations and corporate bodies to contribute towards animal welfare and wildlife conservation, while donations made under the programme are eligible for tax exemption under Section 80G(5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, under the old tax regime, subject to applicable provisions.