Lending a helping hand

Six years ago I filed a request with Ragunan Zoo but it went unheeded. However, thanks to Mrs. Schmutzer, what I had earlier requested has become a reality.

I must express my great gratitude to Mrs. Schmutzer for what she has done. Without her help the animals at the zoo, including some orangutans, would still be kept in horrible pens made of cement.

After spending 10 years in such an enclosure, two animals were finally brought out into an open-air pen.

I have to say here that Mrs. Schmutzer has not only helped orangutans but also tigers and bears. I am very thankful for her intervention.

For 36 years I have tried to lessen the plight of animals. I have made small improvements and minor repairs, I have provided medical treatment, food and other trivial things. In the lives of human beings and animals "small things can have great significance".

Saying "not me" and passing the responsibility onto another person is something I cannot understand. How can anyone say such a thing? Aren't we all obliged to pay attention to the animals whose freedom we have stolen.

It goes without saying there are other people who have come to my aid. I am grateful to them all. My thanks to Mrs. Schmutzer will be endless.

ULRIKE FRFR VON MENGDEN

Ragunan Zoo

Jakarta