Officials seize endangered animals

Officials seize endangered animals

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Local officials have confiscated 16
endangered animals from various locations in Makassar, the
capital of South Sulawesi province.

Among the animals seized recently from residents by the
Makassar Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) were honey
bears, cockatoos and orangutans.

BKSDA officials have transferred the animals to Tasikoki
Manada Animal Rescue Center, Central Sulawesi, and the Orangutan
Reintroduction Center, East Kalimantan, for rehabilitation before
they are released into the wild.

Tasikoki Manada director Stephan Lenthey demanded on Wednesday
that police investigate the illegal ownership of the animals, as
stipulated in a law on endangered and protected animals. -- JP