Aimed at increasing awareness of the need to protect its 21 endangered species from around the world -- the Asian elephant, koalas, Mongolian horses and white rhinos -- it is hoped that the number of animals covered by the program will increase as the campaign grows in popularity.
Of the initial 21 creatures chosen for adoption 12 are indigenous to Taiwan. These include well-known animals such as the Formosan macaque, the Formosan black bear and the sika deer as well lesser-known creatures such as the rabble fish and the Taipei naked frog.
"The number of creatures covered by the scheme is at present quite small and limited to endangered species. If the program proves successful, however, then we plan to allow adoption of many of the zoo's other animals," explained Chao. "While we expect to see certain creatures, such as koalas, prove more popular than others, we still hope that Taiwan's indigenous creatures will also receive plenty of support."
Although intended to give both individuals and groups the opportunity to adopt a rare animal, zoo authorities readily admit that corporate sponsorship is where the real benefits lie.
In order to attract companies, Taipei Zoo is offering those who donate large sums to the campaign some free advertising in the form of a plaque baring the company's name affixed to the enclosure of the animal they've sponsored. Benefits for individual donors includes free entrance to the zoo as well as several of the capital's other popular tourist spots that operate under the Taipei City Government.
The fact that Taipei Zoo officials have seen very few applications from would-be sponsors to date is by no means a bad omen. Chao and his department believe individuals, groups and corporations will take more interest after the dust kicked up by the elephantine media frenzy of Lin Wang's demise settles.
While those at Taipei Zoo hold their breath and wait, officials at the nation's second largest zoological gardens, Kaohsiung's Shoushan Zoo, are keeping an eye on the campaign.
RSS