Gorillas' food supply sufficient

As a director of Ragunan Zoo, I would like to make a correction concerning the article about the gorillas that will be sent to Ragunan Zoo from England. As a result of a mistake in the article we are receiving many complaints about the gorillas' shipment.

Contrary to what was published in The Jakarta Post of August 1, 2001, Ragunan Zoo to receive four male gorillas, there is no problem at all with their food supply and I never said there was. The gorillas will be on loan from England and for the first three years the optimal care of the gorillas, including the very best diet, has been guaranteed, and they will be supervised by the staff of Howletts and Port Lympne Animal Parks from England.

If, at any time, the care or the health of the gorillas were less than optimal, the gorillas would immediately be taken back to England. Through the donation of the late Mrs. Schmutzer, a world-class facility has been built for these apes, comprising more than one hectare of natural, open land with natural food in it.

I would like to invite The Jakarta Post to come and learn more about this new facility and Ragunan's efforts to provide the very best care for these special great apes.

DRH. ISMIANTO

Director of Ragunan Zoo

Jakarta