Kolkata, Aug 2 (IANS): With people rushing to adopt animals at Kolkata's Alipore Zoo, wildlife experts feel the programme could do wonders for animal conservation if it is run properly.

"It is better if zoos start doing this programme. It is a well-known concept in zoos abroad. Ensuring an animal can live its life in captivity in a healthy way benefits conservation efforts," State Director for World Wide Fund for Nature, India, Saswati Sen told IANS.

Established in 1876 and spread over 46 acres in the south of the eastern metropolis, the zoo has kicked-off the "adopt an animal" scheme for individuals and corporates to augment conservation, spread awareness and yield revenues for the popular tourist attraction.

According to the programme, anyone willing to adopt an animal will have to shell out a specific amount for a year that will go for the upkeep of the chosen animal, including its feeding and health care needs.

Names of adoptive individuals will be engraved on a plaque in the animal's enclosure. They will be allowed to capture their animals on film.

"The only concern is that rules should be followed. The animals should not be allowed to come out of their enclosures..many people think that they are like pets..but that shouldn't be the case," Sen said.

The sponsorship (including adoption and maintenance fee) for elephants will be Rs.3-4 lakh while it will be between Rs.2.5 lakh and Rs.3 lakh for a tiger. A giraffe may cost around Rs.1.5 lakh.

The scheme includes benefits like a chance to interact closely with the animal, guided tours and free entry passes.

Many people want to adopt the eight Royal Bengal tigers in the zoo.