East Java zoo adoption program looking for foster parents
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.