Animals in the zoo

It was heartening to read the recently published letter from an individual who clearly is sensitive and caring enough to bring attention to the poor conditions in which animals are being kept in the Yogyakarta Zoo, and, of equal importance, drawing attention to the bad attitude of some zoo goers towards the animals. Clearly there is a need for education in attitudinal change.

With the formation of support groups reaching out into the community, an individual can make a difference in the life of an incarcerated animal. In this age an environmental awareness, ideally a zoo is a place which as practicable as possible replicates the animal's natural environment in order to educate the public and to promote the survival of endangered species, and certainly there are some very good examples of this concept in Indonesia, not as places where animals are displayed for public amusement, objects of taunts and derision. When treated with love and respect animals can only enhance our lives.

I ask that consideration be given to the application of these principles to the animal kingdom which remains a responsibility and gift bestowed upon we humans by Almighty God.

From an American Indian-Chief Seath: "If all these beasts were gone, man would die from loneliness of spirit for whatever happens to the beast, happens to the man.

All things are connected,

Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of earth."

ISABEL SMITH

Pangkalpinang, Bangka