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