BHOPAL, INDIA--(Marketwire - Mar 25, 2013) - Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal is proud to announce the adoption of Tiger Vivek from Van Vihar National Park in the fight to save and protect tigers in the wild. A hundred years ago there were over 10,000 tigers and as of March 2010, there are just 3200 tigers left in the world. Understanding that this is a serious issue, Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal's main aim for this initiative is to make a contribution to the long-term conservation of wild tigers and their habitat.

Vivek, a male tiger of Van Vihar National Park is an excellent example of zoo keeping in India. Vivek came to Van Vihar National Park in May 2011 from Borjuri, a place near Kaziranga National Park, at the age of about 3 years and 6 months. Local poachers poisoned the kill, due to which Vivek's mother and his brother died on the spot. Vivek was rescued by the local tea garden labourers and was handed over to the NGO, Wild Life Trust of India. He spent 3 years there and then was sent to the Van Vihar National Park vide order of the Central Zoo Authority. Vivek is the centre of attraction for every visitor at Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal.

Commenting on this pioneering initiative, Elton Hurtis, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal, says, "At Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal, we strive to go beyond the regular duties of hospitality by getting involved in matters that concern the society/community that we work in. This initiative is extremely close to my heart as I am very passionate about this cause. We hope that in a small way with the adoption of Vivek, we address the critical issue of the extinction of this species. With this adoption Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal seeks to achieve its objective through fund-raising; by optimizing its valuable resources; and by forming practical alliances with governments and organizations in the field of tiger conservation."

Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal hotel, which is near the tiger reserve, presented a cheque for 2 lakh to adopt Tiger Vi. The scheme for adopting wild animals has been introduced with a view to ensuring their conservation and increasing sensitiveness towards their protection among people. Any person or institution can adopt any wild animal shown in the list of Van Vihar on monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annual basis.

The newly launched 4 star hotel in Bhopal has adopted the tiger, who they lovingly call Tiger Vi (short for Vivek) for a period of one year from February 1^st, 2013 to January 31^st, 2014. During this time, the hotel will take charge of the expenses of Tiger Vi. That includes his medication, food and daily expenditure. During the course of the year, the property will work to raise enough money to adopt Vivek once again next year, and continue to do so in the years to come.

Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal - DB City - Arera Hills, Maharana Pratap Nagar Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462011, India‎ | +91-755-309-6444

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Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with more than 3,700 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. There are approximately 300,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties. Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.