Kundapur: Despite Govt Opposition, Aithal's Zoo Thrives
News and pics: Vinay Pais
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, Jul 9: Sudheendra Aithal from Saligrama in Udupi taluk, has been doggedly pursuing his passion, i.e., love for animals. Since the last many years, he has been providing shelter to abandoned animals or those wounded by their predators, in his remarkable zoo.
Citing rules, officials of the forest department had once raided his ‘illegal’ zoo, and had taken over its possession. Aithal had been arrested, and umpteen cases were slapped on him under various rules. Aithal came out on bail. The local people, who know Aithal’s kind nature, even had staged a protest against the high-handed attitude of the bureaucrats.
Aithal, who continues to battle court cases hoisted against him, is steadfastly taking care of the dumb creatures since the last three years. His zoo, for which ‘animal farm’ will be a more appropriate word, has given shelter to reptiles, which live in perfect harmony with predators like dogs, cats etc. The animal farm houses horses, lovebirds, guinea pigs, owls, swans, ducks, porcupines, Persian cats, deers, moneys, pigeons and a unique calf which is neither male nor female.
Sudhindra Aithal, who is not well-off, has reportedly been spending about Rs 2,000 on a daily basis to feed and take care of the animals in his custody. He wants to continue to follow his passion, but says he will be too happy to gratefully accept financial assistance, if philanthropists come forward to support his passion.