‘Challenging Star’ Darshan’s fans, public pool in money during challenging times

Mysore/Mysuru: Hours after ‘Challenging Star’ Darshan appealed in a video message seeking donations to support Zoos of Karnataka that are facing challenging times due to lockdown and lack of visitors, donations poured in and the Zoos of Karnataka App reported a collection of Rs. 8,58,983 in just one day.

In the appeal, shot inside the picturesque Mysuru Zoo campus on Saturday where the actor was specially allowed to shoot the video, Darshan explained the condition of animals in all the nine Zoos of Karnataka and had appealed for generous donations. Darshan is an animal lover too and often he visits Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves with high-end cameras and power bikes to shoot wildlife. 

“There are nine Zoos in the State and they are cash-starved. So adopt as many animals as you can. Humans are in dire straits from COVID and animals too face this problem but they cannot express. Millions of tourists come to the Zoos and the Zoos are maintained only by entry ticket collected. But there is a lockdown now and as such, no visitors. It is difficult to pay for the daily sustenance needs and salary of Zoo staff,” he had narrated in the video.

The video struck a chord among fans and many responded by adopting animals including the lion named Darshan at Mysuru Zoo that was adopted by film producer and actor Shylaja Nag from Bengaluru who had produced Darshan’s runaway hit film ‘Yajamana’.

Likewise, hundreds of people actively responded, after going through a video message of Darshan, also the Ambassador of Karnataka Forest Department.

Mandya’s Darshan Army Committee has adopted lovebirds at Mysuru Zoo. Impressed by the handsome donations, Darshan thanked the adopters by uploading the Zoo’s certificates on social media. 

Of the funds received through donations, Mysuru Zoo alone gained Rs. 4,31,309 and Bannerghatta Biological Park near Bengaluru Rs. 2,46,900, Hampi Zoo has got Rs. 43,550, Shivamogga Zoo Rs. 42,474, Davanagere Zoo Rs. 27,950, Gadag Zoo Rs. 26,650, Kalaburagi Zoo Rs. 15,800, Chitradurga Zoo Rs. 14,250 and Belagavi Zoo got an allocation of Rs. 10,100.

“The Zoo Authority of Karnataka has nine zoos under its jurisdiction including Mysuru Zoo. All the Zoos are solely dependent on the revenue generated through gate fee. It has been the same situation like last year. Owing to prevailing lockdown, all the Zoos are closed and this has dealt a severe blow to the upkeep of animals and other maintenance,” Mysuru Zoo Executive Director Ajit M. Kulkarni told Star of Mysore.

Last year, donations came in as Ministers and Infosys Foundation donated money and the Zoos collected adoption fees. “Zoos of Karnataka App can be downloaded and donations can be given to whichever Zoo is desired by the donor. They can also see which animals can be adopted and pay the adoption fee accordingly. All the donors will get certificates online,” Kulkarni said