Wealthy urged to help zoo

Wealthy urged to help zoo

Governor Surjadi Soedirdja yesterday encouraged wealthy
Jakartans to help the city administration fund Ragunan Zoo in
South Jakarta.

"I think it is understandable that I urge Jakarta's wealthy
people to participate in developing the zoo," the governor told
reporters when he inaugurated a Rp 300 million (US$138,200)
enclosure for riding tamed elephants which was donated by Mrs. P.
Schmutzer Verteegh.

The governor said that he welcomed any parties who had
interests in animals who were willing to donate money to the city
zoo on the condition that they must not have a competing interest
which might endanger the zoo's wellbeing.

"Just look at Mrs. Schmutzer, she does not have any other
interest except her personal satisfaction," he said.

Mrs. Schmutzer has financed the construction of enclosures for
tigers, lions and honey bears at the zoo.

The new 800-square-meter enclosure is built on 1,500 square
meters of land. The enclosure will house elephants named Ratih
and Mustika, both from Lampung.

Mrs. Schmutzer said that many of the zoo's animals still lack
proper cages, and asked Jakartans to "open your hearts and
purses." (03)