Prabhu Shamsher and Raji Rana Fund boosts Central Zoo with fresh support for chimpanzees and museum upkeep

The Central Zoo has received another major financial lift, with the Prabhu Shamsher and Raji Rana Fund donating Rs 1 million for the maintenance of its chimpanzees and Rs 1.5 million to operate the Historical 3D Lion Cage Museum.

Fund Chairperson Raji Rana handed over the cheque to Zoo Chief Satyanarayan Shah on the occasion of World Environment Day, underscoring the growing role of private support in sustaining public wildlife facilities.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the fund has provided financial assistance to the zoo, reflecting a continuing commitment to animal care and conservation-related infrastructure.

Support aimed at two key needs

The donation is split between two practical priorities: the care of chimpanzees and the operation of the zoo's museum attraction. The chimpanzee support helps cover maintenance needs, while the museum funding is intended to keep the Historical 3D Lion Cage Museum running smoothly.

The Central Zoo has increasingly relied on outside support and adoption-style partnerships to manage the costs of animal welfare, a trend that highlights how essential such contributions have become for day-to-day operations.

A wider pattern of private involvement

The Prabhu Shamsher and Raji Rana Trust has previously taken guardianship of the chimpanzees Chimpu and Champa, bearing expenses for their care under the zoo's adoption programme. That programme was introduced to raise funds for wildlife protection and welfare, and it has drawn more individuals and organizations over time.

At a time when zoo funding shortages have been widely reported, recurring donations like this one help stabilize services that might otherwise face pressure. For the Central Zoo, the support is not just symbolic - it directly affects animal welfare, public exhibits, and the visitor experience.

Why this matters now

World Environment Day made the announcement especially fitting, linking the donation to broader conversations about conservation, habitat protection, and responsible stewardship of wildlife. In practical terms, the fund's contribution gives the zoo more breathing room to maintain both living animals and educational facilities.

For visitors and conservation advocates alike, the donation is a reminder that modern zoos depend on more than ticket sales and public budgets. They also depend on sustained partnerships that can keep animals safe, exhibits active, and conservation messaging visible.