E. Java Taman Safari aims to solve population problem<\/p>\n
By Sirikit Syah<\/p>\n
SURABAYA (JP): Four years ago, Taman Safari Indonesia realized
\nit had a growing problem on its hands at its wildlife park in
\nCisarua, West Java.<\/p>\n
Successful breeding programs had increased the animal
\npopulation, with the undesirable result that the park was
\nbecoming overcrowded.<\/p>\n
A search began for the ideal location to establish a second
\npark.<\/p>\n
Administrators eventually settled for Sukoarjo, a village in
\nPasuruan, about 50 km south of Surabaya, which was formerly the
\nsite of a plantation.<\/p>\n
Located at the foot of Mount Welirang, about 800 meters-1,500
\nmeters above sea level, the area's temperature hovers between 17
\nand 25 degrees Celsius. Its relatively high humidity is ideal for
\nwild animals.<\/p>\n
Much has happened, not all of it positive, in the four years
\nsince the site was picked.<\/p>\n
Members of local communities, backed by environmentally
\nconcerned non-governmental organizations (NGOs), protested land
\nclearance activities.<\/p>\n
Although Taman Safari managed to resolve that dispute,
\ndevelopment took longer than scheduled and went over budget.<\/p>\n
But the headaches and heavy investment have paid off with the
\nopening of the park last month.<\/p>\n
Known simply as TSI II, it is already a favorite among East
\nJava residents. The long-term goal is to make it popular among
\ntourists from eastern areas of the country.<\/p>\n
\"Indonesia is very rich in animal life,\" said Derek F. Kailey,
\na manager of TSI. \"We have built not only a recreational park,
\nbut also an educational center about wild animals.<\/p>\n
\"This place could also become the breeding center of
\nIndonesian wild animals.\"<\/p>\n
The park is set on 430 hectares, with the possibility for
\nexpansion At present, 30 percent of the land is used for the
\nanimals and 30 percent for a recreational complex including
\nhotels, playgrounds and other amenities.<\/p>\n
The rest is allocated for an animal hospital, breeding complex
\nand greenery.<\/p>\n
But Kailey has bigger goals than just establishing a safari
\npark and a breeding center. He wants to make people care and pay
\nattention to animals, especially wild animals, and particularly
\nthose from Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Children are his main target.<\/p>\n
\"It's good to start very early. It's easier to teach them how
\nand why to love and understand animals, and explain to them the
\nthreat of animal disappearance.\"<\/p>\n
About 1,000 animals of 200 different species have resided in
\nthe park since last November. Most are from the Cisarua park, but
\nthe Czech Republic donated 153 animals.<\/p>\n
\"The Czech government gave us the animals in return for a
\ncouple of Komodo Dragons given by our government,\" Kailey said.<\/p>\n
\"We can see how highly they regard our animals.\"<\/p>\n
This barter system is preferred for animal exchanges because
\nit strengthens relationships between nations involved in animal
\nconservation.<\/p>\n
Through exchanges, TSI II Prigen now has American bison, brown
\nbears, European wolves, antelopes, Asiatic black bears and
\ncamels.<\/p>\n
Cisarua has contributed Bengali tigers, ostriches, rare birds,
\ngibbons and giraffes. There are also several rare animals
\ncollected from many parts of Indonesia; anoa from Sulawesi,
\nSumatran rhinos and komodos.<\/p>\n
The number of animals in the new facility is increasing.
\nAnimals from other continents need special care, due to the long
\ntrip and climate changes.<\/p>\n
Usually they arrive at Juanda International Airport in
\nSidoarjo, and are directly transferred to the quarantine complex
\nin Prigen. The airport itself does not have facilities for large
\nnumbers of animals.<\/p>\n
TSI Prigen will have three divisions for its animals --
\nAmerican and European, African and Asian and Australian. There is
\nalso a giant menagerie, about 1,000 square meters in size, which
\nwill be home to one of the richest collections of birds.<\/p>\n
Economic impact<\/p>\n
Billions of rupiah have been spent already, but the
\ndevelopment of TSI Prigen is not finished yet.<\/p>\n
Physically, only 30 percent of the project is done. Plans had
\nbeen to finish it all by March, but the monetary crisis might
\nmake this impossible.<\/p>\n
Daily running costs are about Rp 8 million per day, mostly in
\nfood expenses. The animals consume 200 kg of meat, 1 ton of
\nvegetables and fruits and 6 tons of grass per day.<\/p>\n
The park has stimulated the economy in the area, fostering a
\nbetter relationship between TSI and the surrounding community.<\/p>\n
Before the park's opening, few visitors made their way to
\nSukoarjo and there was no public transportation to the village,
\nwhich is located about 9 km from Surabaya-Malang highway.<\/p>\n
These days, vehicles crowd the streets. Dozens of ojek
\n(motorcycle taxis) are among them and this is now an alternative
\njob option for men in the region. The elderly and young women
\nsell vegetables and fruits outside their homes.<\/p>\n
Pasuruan regent H.R. Saputro acknowledged the upturn in the
\narea economy recently.<\/p>\n
\"The park is good for the people's economic advancement. And
\nwe are proud because this national, even international, tourist
\nattraction is in our city.\"<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/e-java-taman-safari-aims-to-solve-population-problem-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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