Bandung City Council Urges Comprehensive Evaluation of Bandung Zoo Management
The Bandung City Council has urged a comprehensive evaluation of the management of Bandung Zoo. This follows the deaths of two Bengal tiger cubs exposed to the panleukopenia virus.
Deputy Chairman of the Bandung City Council, Edwin Senjaya, expressed deep concern over the incident.
According to him, the deaths of rare animals must not be taken lightly or considered ordinary, even if caused by medical factors (virus).
“This is very concerning and must serve as an important lesson. The deaths of rare animals like tigers cannot be taken lightly. Even if attributed to a virus, a comprehensive evaluation is still required,” he stated on Thursday (26/3).
This Golkar Party politician assessed that the event is a strong signal of the need for serious improvements in animal care management. Moreover, Bandung Zoo has previously been plagued by prolonged internal issues related to land management disputes.
He also called on the Bandung City Government to be more active in oversight. Oversight of animal welfare standards at the educational tourism site has not been running optimally.
“The Bandung City Government must ensure that all animals are well cared for. However, in reality, this has not been fully realised,” he said.
Furthermore, the City Council encourages more intensive cross-sectoral coordination between the Bandung City Government, the Greater Conservation Agency for Natural Resources (BBKSDA), and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. This synergy is deemed important to ensure strict implementation of standard operating procedures, from nutrition intake, cage cleanliness, to mitigation of contagious diseases.
“Do not let this incident happen again. All parties must ensure that the animals at Bandung Zoo receive proper care. This is a momentum for improvement,” Edwin stressed.
The two Bengal tiger cubs were reported dead on Tuesday (24/3) and Thursday (26/3). Although collaborative treatment efforts were made by the medical team from Cikole Animal Hospital, the Food Security and Agriculture Service (DKPP), and BBKSDA, the lives of the two protected animals could not be saved.