The Guangzhou Zoo welcomed people to foster animals for only 200 yuan (US$24) per animal.

Under the new policy, which was published earlier this week, the foster fee for a panda was reduced from 100,000 a year to 200 yuan for an individual and 4,000 yuan for a group or a company.

A spokesman for the zoo said reduced fees could encourage more people to contribute to the upkeep of animals.

He said several schools had joined the foster plan last week.

The zoo also opened a hotline (3876-6547) Friday for people who want to foster animals.

There are a total of 5,000 animals of 400 species in the zoo. However, less than 42 animals had been fostered by people or companies during the past seven years.

The zoo believed the low foster rate was because of the high fees.

All foster fees would be used to pay for food, treatment and improve their living environment.

Editor: Catherine