Managing zoos

Managing zoos

From Media Indonesia

I would like to comment on a news story titled Hundreds of
animals feel stressful in ten zoos, published in Media Indonesia
on March 29. Such a thing should not happen in zoos as it is
incompatible with the government regulation No.7/1999 on the
preservation of animals and plants. The regulation says that zoos
are obliged to give protection and a sense of security to animals
in accordance with the health standard for animals. The decree of
Forestry Minister No.479/1998 mentions that the main functions of
a zoo is for the interests of conservation, education and sound
recreation.

On this opportunity, I hope that the management of zoos in the
country can make some internal improvements such as keeping
animals in locations closely resembling their natural habitats,
fulfilling animal behavior needs, paying attention to their
welfare and giving some access to the public to know about animal
development.

The number of animals, whether it increases or decreases, is
important for the public to know so as to deter the mysterious
death of animals and illegal trade allegedly conducted by certain
officials. Animals in zoos completely depend on humans for
survival. Should there be any zoos not meeting the requirements
mentioned above, they should be closed down, otherwise the fauna
will suffer and then die.

PRAMUDYA H.

Jakarta