Agartala: Setting a remarkable example, BJP MLA Sushanta Deb from Tripura celebrated his birthday by adopting a Royal Bengal Tiger at the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary & Zoo on Wednesday.
Shera, the tiger who arrived at the zoo from North Bengal seven months ago, will now be under Deb’s care for the next three months.
As part of the zoo’s animal adoption policy, MLA Deb will cover Shera’s expenses for food, medication, and other essentials during this period.
“My lifelong passion for social work has always driven me to make a positive impact on society. Animals also need care and compassion. Protecting them is essential for environmental balance, which led me to adopt Shera. That is why I chose to celebrate my birthday here at the Sepahijala Zoo,” Deb said.
Deb said that he expressed his desire to contribute to wildlife conservation by adopting a tiger. He contacted the department concerned and after completing the required formalities successfully obtained a three-month permit to adopt Shera.
Zoo Director Biswajit Das, while explaining the animal adoption scheme, said that caring for Shera costs approximately Rs 7.70 lakh annually.
“Our animal adoption programme began five years ago. Though the MLA initially faced some administrative challenges, approval from the PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden was later received,” Das said.
He thanked the MLA for his contribution and urged others to consider adopting animals as such support would directly benefit the zoo’s care initiatives.
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“An estimated Rs 2 lakh will cover Shera’s needs for the next three months,” he added.
Deb appealed to the community to unite in creating a balanced and compassionate environment for all living beings.
