Zoo eyes biz deals to boost revenue

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Link:

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060726/asp/guwahati/story_6523731.asp

 

Zoo eyes biz deals to boost revenue

A STAFF REPORTER

 

July 25: The idea has been brewing for over two years now — to rope

in corporate giants — to make life a little easier for animals.

 

The deal is pretty clear — the firms would be allowed to put up

billboards — in exchange they would provide funds for the zoo's

development and beautification projects.

 

According to the divisional forest officer (DFO) Narayan Mahanta,

the zoo, which attracts 1,500 visitors daily on an average, is one

of the perfect places for the corporate giants to display their

advertisements.

 

" The visitors spend hours in the zoo and this can be the best way

for the companies to display their presence, " Mahanta said, adding

that public-private partnership was the need of the hour.

 

He said it could also be a means for the corporate sector to show

their commitment to wildlife conservation at a time when many top

companies in the country are supporting the cause.

 

The DFO said while the zoo spends around Rs 3 crore every year, its

earning from gate fees and other minor accounts last year was a

meagre Rs 51.28 lakh — the highest amount it ever earned.

 

Mahanta said the zoo was preparing a business plan to make it self-

sustainable without harming the cause of wildlife

conservation. " There is nothing wrong in doing business without

harming wildlife, " he said.

 

He said the zoo has been divided into six zones for the interested

companies to choose from. " We wanted to be very specific so that the

companies can make their choice, " said the DFO.

 

Mahanta said talks with the representatives of major companies have

been encouraging and proposals are being made in order to garner

their support.

 

" Consultants have been engaged to prepare proposals to make it

scientific and viable. We will tell them our detailed plans during

discussions like the help required for making enclosures, children's

park and other important landmarks, " Mahanta said.

 

The corporate sector can put up its advertisements in a way that

they blend with nature. " The hoardings should not infringe on the

character of the zoo, " he added.

 

Last year, when the zoo was hard pressed for funds to repair the

approach bridge, it thought of tapping a corporate firm. Oil India

Limited agreed to do the job.

 

The zoo is already on a modernisation drive and is giving a facelift

to its enclosures to attract visitors. " Many enclosures have been

repaired and there are plans to improve the zoo to help it meet

international standards, " said Mahanta.

 

The zoo has also started a programme, wherein the public can adopt

its inmates and thus minimise its cost of their maintenance.

 

Any person or organisation wishing to adopt an animal will have to

bear all costs, including its food.

 

Mahanta said the minimum term of adoption would be for one year,

though it could be extended on the interest of the organisation or

the person adopting the animal.