What does adopting an animal involve

A. Normally you just pay an annual fee, which can either be for a share or a whole animal. It's fun and a lot less labour intensive than looking after an animal yourself and can make a great present. As you normally get some feedback it's also more rewarding than just donating money to an animal charity.

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Q. Where can I adopt an animal

A. You can either adopt animals in zoos or ones cared for in their native countries.

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Q.�What kind of animals can I adopt

A.�Anything from�mice to an Asian elephant. Schemes that offer adoption of animals in the wild tend to be 'species specific', for example you can adopt bears in Turkey and help prevent their�capture for use as dancing bears, earning cash for their captors. But if you adopt an animal at a zoo the choice is extensive, from alpacas to zebras.

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Q.� How does adopting help endangered animals

A.� Many schemes offer you the chance to adopt endangered or threatened animals by providing for them in their native countries. The money you pay helps keep them in specially constructed and protected compounds. As well as providing financial help for daily food, care and any medical attention for your animal, you are also helping the species in general and raising conservation awareness amongst the indigenous population. By adopting an endangered animal at a zoo in England you are supporting conservation programmes.

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Q.� How much does it cost to adopt an animal

A.� Prices vary according to what scheme you opt for. Adopting an animal in its own country normally starts at around �25. For a zoo prices are similar at around �25 for an ant, stick insect, rabbit or doormouse for a year and go up to �6,000 for an elephant. Or you can buy 'bits' of the more expensive animals.

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Q.� What do I receive when I adopt an animal

A.� Normally an adoption certificate and a photograph of your new charge. For wild animals you also normally receive a newsletter with details of how they're doing. If you adopt animals in a zoo you can also get free tickets so you can see for yourself how they are.

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Q.� Where can I find out more about adopting an animal

A.� Look in the national press and magazine where organisations often advertise or click on one of the following�suggested links:

The Nature Zone

London Zoo

Born Free

by Lisa Cardy