BKSDA opens option to relocate Bandung Zoo animals to conservation institutions

Bandung (ANTARA) - The West Java Natural Resources Conservation Centre (BBKSDA) is opening the option to relocate endemic animals at Bandung Zoo to the nearest conservation institutions in West Java.

Head of the Technical Division of BBKSDA West Java, Andri Hansen Siregar, stated that this step would become an option if the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Bandung City Government does not continue.

He explained that the MoU is valid until 6 May 2026, or for three months from 6 February. After that, the management scheme may change.

According to Andri, the main principle in every policy is to ensure the welfare of the animals, particularly Indonesia’s protected endemic species.

Previously, the Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) of the Ministry of Forestry, Satyawan Pudyatmoko, stated that the existing agreement aims to maintain the continuity of animal care and ensure that employees can continue working during the transition period.

“The main point is to ensure the welfare of the animals at Bandung Zoo is guaranteed and employees can still work, so operations continue to run,” he said.

He added that there are around 711 animals at Bandung Zoo, all of which are protected species and legally state property entrusted to conservation institutions.

With the revocation of the previous management permit, he continued, the central government is now taking full responsibility for animal care to keep them maintained and not neglected.