KUALA LUMPUR – For as little as RM25, you can “adopt” an animal at Zoo Negara, helping cover its food, upkeep and veterinary costs, under the Adopt an Animal initiative.
Deputy president Rosly @ Rahmat Amat Lana said despite the movement curbs imposed since March to contain Covid-19, the zoo has seen encouraging response in terms of donations.
“We received overwhelmingly positive feedback as is evident from the many encouraging and compassionate words shared on social media. The number of donors increased especially from April to August, with almost 50,000 donors.
“Other than traditional media, our team also utilises the zoo’s Instagram (@zoonegara_malaysia) and Facebook (Zoo Negara Malaysia) accounts. We hope to expand further by offering livestreams of updates and interactions with viewers via a dedicated YouTube channel,” he told Bernama.
To make it easier for animal lovers and zoo supporters to contribute directly to the adoption programme, which started in 1981, Zoo Negara has partnered with Ticket2U, Maybank2U, Lazada and Shopee since 2017.
Rosly said the initiative allows people to symbolically adopt 30 animal species.
Asked how much the programme contributes to the zoo’s revenue, he said the sum can only be determined once the conditional movement control order is lifted.
Those keen to donate can browse packages under the initiative at the Ticket2U portal or via the Zoo Negara Malaysia stores on Lazada and Shopee.
“Zoo Negara will get the financial support needed to take care of our animal family. In return, donors will receive an e-certificate of adoption stating their selected animal, as well as other gifts based on the package selected,” added Rosly. – Bernama, November 20, 2020