A leopard was adopted by a couple in the Van Vihar National Park, an official said, yesterday.

Meena and M K Gupta gave a cheque for Rs 5,760 to the Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation Society and adopted the leopard for one month implying they would pay for its feeding and upkeep for a month.

Earlier, a python and tiger were similarly adopted, the official added.

"The national park has launched the scheme for adoption of wild animals with a view to instilling affection towards wildlife in the hearts of people," said Rajendra Shukla, minister of State for Forest.