Elephant, Tiger Or Giraffe: How Much It Costs To Adopt An Animal At Mysuru Zoo

Last Updated:December 22, 2025, 11:16 IST

Adopting an animal does not mean ownership or private access. It is a symbolic, impactful act where an individual, family or organisation sponsors the annual upkeep of an animal.

Each species has a different adoption cost, calculated based on real expenses such as diet, veterinary care, and habitat needs. Image: Canva

A walk through the tree-lined pathways of Karnataka’s Mysuru Zoo often leaves visitors with one lingering thought. Beyond the selfies and school trips, how does a zoo of this scale actually take care of its animals, day after day? One of the answers lies in a quietly growing initiative that allows ordinary citizens to play a direct role in wildlife care.

The animal adoption scheme at the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens has emerged as a key pillar of conservation funding. For the 2025–26 period alone, the zoo has collected over Rs 43.61 lakh through public adoptions. The money goes straight into animal feed, medical treatment, routine health monitoring, and enclosure maintenance.

What Does “Adopting" an Animal Really Mean?

Adopting an animal does not mean ownership or private access. It is a symbolic but impactful act where an individual, family, or organisation sponsors the annual upkeep of a chosen animal. Each species has a different adoption cost, calculated based on real expenses such as diet, veterinary care, and habitat needs.

The model allows the zoo to maintain high welfare standards while reducing dependence on ticket revenue or irregular grants. For adopters, it offers transparency and a tangible connection to conservation.

How to Adopt an Animal at Mysuru Zoo

The process is designed to be accessible and uncomplicated. Interested adopters can apply online through the official Mysuru Zoo website, use the Zoos of Karnataka mobile app, or visit the zoo office in person.

Once the adoption fee is paid, the zoo issues an official adoption certificate mentioning the animal or species adopted. Many people choose to adopt animals to mark birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or even as memorial gestures.

Animal Adoption Price List at Mysuru Zoo

Adoption fees are annual and vary by species. Here is the official price structure used by the zoo.

This wide range allows almost anyone to participate, from students and families to large corporate donors.

Who Is Participating in the Scheme

The adoption programme is no longer limited to wildlife enthusiasts. Corporate houses and private companies are increasingly adopting animals under their CSR initiatives, seeing it as a transparent and meaningful way to contribute to conservation.

At an individual level, many adopters say the emotional value matters as much as the certificate. The idea that a contribution directly feeds or treats an animal creates a sense of responsibility that goes beyond charity.

Benefits for Adopters

Adoption contributions qualify for tax deduction under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. The adopter’s name or organisation is displayed on a plaque near the animal enclosure. In some cases, complimentary entry passes are also provided for a limited period.

But the larger benefit is less visible. It is the assurance that the money is not abstract, but tied to a living being’s care.

Why This Matters Now

Zoos today face increasing scrutiny, and rightly so. Adoption schemes like this shift the focus from display to shared responsibility. They turn visitors into stakeholders and conservation into something personal, measurable, and ongoing.

Sometimes conservation looks like activism. Sometimes it looks like a receipt, a certificate, and an animal that eats better because someone cared enough to step in.

News india Elephant, Tiger Or Giraffe: How Much It Costs To Adopt An Animal At Mysuru Zoo