East Java zoo adoption program looking for foster parents

Text and photos by Gin Kurniawan

PASURUAN, East Java (JP): Three tiger cubs were seen tugging at each other's legs. They playfully pressed each other down and then scampered about.

The young cats' behavior is a big attraction for visitors to the Prigen Safari Park, better-known as Taman Safari Indonesia II -- the first safari park being the one in Bogor, West Java.

Their cute behavior has won the hearts of some rare animal lovers to become their "foster parents" as the zoo management has been campaigning since late last year.

The campaign aims to involve the public in the efforts to preserve endangered species populating areas in the Pasuruan regency.

"The animal foster parent plan aims at making people aware that they, too, can do something to save endangered species," says Frans Manangsang, the safari park's operational director.

The program called Animal Parenting Membership requires the parents to pay membership fees, that are set based on whether the animal to be adopted is carnivore (Rp 5 million six-monthly and Rp 9 million annually) or herbivore (Rp 2.5 million six-monthly and Rp 5 million annually).

So far, 25 people have expressed their interest in becoming foster parents but only one has received a full membership.

"The foster parents are expected to share a sizable portion of our financial burden," Manangsang says.

The park lies on the slope of Mount Arjuna and is home to about 1,000 animals of some 100 species. Many of the animals are endangered species.

The park is not only a tourist attraction, but also a safe breeding ground for the animals. Some species, like the tigers, have multiplied quite well, according to Manangsang.

The park's foster parenting program has won praise from all quarters because it will help ensure that the breeding of rare animals continues.

The park management has reported that the animals have often come under threat from irresponsible people. For example, this year alone, three komodos and three lion cubs were missing and some facilities have also been vandalized.

The safari park, which employs over 200 people, faces a big financial problem due to low visitation. The income is not enough to cover the costs and it still relies on subsidies from the Bogor Safari Park.

"The income is enough to cover only 50 percent of operational costs," Manansang says. He declined to explain the costs in detail.

The Animal Parenting Membership program is open for anyone to adopt animals in the park. They can choose any animals they like.

Now, there are 16 baby animals, including tiger, lion, oryx and kambing gunung goats, that await foster parents.

The foster parents are given privileges, such as, free visits to the park with their families any time they like. They will also receive reports about their adopted animals on a regular basis.

The program has interested some wealthy people in Surabaya. The first to obtain a membership was MT Tjahjodiharjo, better- known as A-Hong, 55, a businessman in plastics. He adopted a tiger cub after paying a membership fee of Rp 5 million.

"I am interested in the program because I love tigers," he says. "I support the park's breeding efforts."

A-Hong named the cub Sisca Yunior after his beautiful secretary.