GUWAHATI:
The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) adopted six one-horned rhinos of Assam State Zoo in Guwahati, on February 28.
Chairman of IOC, SM Vaidya during a ceremony held at Assam State Zoo presented a cheque of Rs.6,00,000 to Priyasa Saikia, assistant conservator of forest (ACF) towards the adoption of six rhinos for one year.
“Being a responsible corporation, the responsibility of the company doesn’t end at adopting the rhino as a mascot. We this, we are contributing towards the conservation of the one-horned rhino and rehabilitation,” Vaidya said.
He said that OIL has three refineries in Assam at Digboi, Guwahati and Bongaigaon refinery, and to honour this relationship, the rhino was adopted by IOC,” he said.
Vaidya also spoke about Indian Oil’s effort in supporting the conservation of other animals such as cheetah and advised the zoo to involve corporates in the conservation process which will help them with funds that will help in maintenance and development works at the zoo.
Thanking Indian Oil for its support in helping conserve the rhinos, Saikia said that it is a matter of immense pride that the one-horned rhino has been adopted by Indian Oil as its mascot as it adorns all Indian Oil locations, be it petrol pumps or LPG distributorships across the country, which has helped in creating awareness about the animal.