The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has mooted corporate funding of zoos and recruitment of volunteers to give a fillip to Indian zoos, on the lines of the foreign zoos, to make them a great attraction for tourists.

Through the two 11-page documents that provide details about the policy, the ministry has invited public opinion on the two policy moves by December 20, while stressing that the guidelines were necessary to develop a mechanism for mobilising corporate financial support to supplement management of the zoos that are mostly run by government and local bodies in India.

The 'corporate funding document' says that the government zoos are bogged down by rules framed for the government service, finance and maintenance procedures in executing new ideas and business concepts and hence the need to register the zoos as a Registered Charitable Society/ Foundation for receiving the funds from people and corporate sector and adapt elements of corporate management.

It says the guidelines, procedures and mechanism proposed in the document may help the zoos in raising funds. The zoos run by trusts and private sector may also use these guidelines for availing benefits.

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"The shift is from sustainable to commercial service goals. This calls for an optimum, efficient and effective allocation of resources, a quick turnaround time and growth of the zoo. The zoo manager should be more than an administrator, a business manager," says the document.

It points out that corporates and individuals with a strong sense of responsibility towards nature and ecosystem integrity are keen to associate and donate funds for the development and growth of zoos. It suggests some two dozen ways zoos can raise money.

"It is true that unless zoos have the best marketing strategy they cannot tap the financial resources from the corporate sector and from private individuals. Zoos can be self-sustaining and financially stable if they can raise funds through innovative marketing," the document stresses.

It suggests that those running the zoos should look for 'friends of zoo' who can be potential donors as corporate and individuals by inviting them to events and functions of the zoo.

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Corporate houses that have evinced keen interest in donating funds for social and public causes can be introduced to the zoos and its mandate informally so that they can develop empathy for the zoo animals.

"A long-term relationship can be developed by continuing to involve them in zoo-related matters of interest to them. Donors' choice regarding the area of support is important. Donors would like the zoo management to ensure maintenance of standard and norms for animal care," adds the document, suggesting the erection of boards with details of such sponsors.

The second document is to attract volunteers and animal lovers who can lend their time, energy and skills to zoos, instead of increasing the workforce on salaries.

It says such volunteers can be given nominal out-of-pocket expenses to cover their travel expenses to and from the zoo, subsistence in terms of food and drink and special clothing and tools.