(MY) aquaria display and animals at risk

[Guest guest]

KLCC Aquaria: Pet shops have better displays

18 Dec 2006

DANIEL LEE, Perth, Western Australia

 

 

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I'M a visitor to Malaysia and recently went to the KLCC Aquaria. Being

a lover of the marine environment and its ecosystem, I was

disappointed with the experience offered there.

 

The trip was not worth the RM38 a non-Malaysian has to pay.

 

There were so few species of aquatic organisms displayed. What's more,

most of them were placed in small tanks and pools. This places stress

on the organisms.

 

In the small and pathetic-looking touch-pool area, at least eight baby

reef sharks were placed in a small basin.

 

A huge freshwater terrapin was placed in a confined tank, where there

was not much room for it to swim or move around. These are examples of

extreme stress suffered by the animals.

 

From what I observed, almost all the organisms or animals were placed

in tanks too small for their comfort.

 

I'm disappointed with the way these animals are managed because the

stress they face will have negative effects on the organisms/animals

living within the ecosystem.

 

The poorly lit environment, coupled with the small fonts of the

information boards, also made it difficult to read the information.

Most of the tanks and pools were " poorly managed " as they were bland

and unattractive.

 

This does not represent the true marine environment, which is more

diverse and colourful.

 

As a place for visitors to experience the underwater life, Aquaria

could have done much better to make the place an attractive one. I've

seen more impressive marine aquariums in pet shops and homes of

friends compared with that in the Aquaria.

 

 

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Animals at risk: Show compassion to them

18 Dec 2006

RAIHANA SOUKET, Petaling Jaya

 

 

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WE read cases about wild animals being hunted and killed or pets being

abused by their owners and, in most occasions, the animals die.

 

Incidents like tiger parts found in a refrigerator; an animal chained

and killed without food or water by her keeper; the 13 dogs shot in a

house by a municipal council; and the death of a tapir make me wonder

whether the direction we are taking is the right one.

 

Is it right to destroy the habitats of animals just because we need

more highways?

 

The killing of wild animals on roads could have been avoided if

developers had thought of them when they planned the highways.

 

I have yet to read anything constructive on how the authorities plan

to deal with these issues or to protect endangered creatures.

 

Everyone is aware of how the greed of a few people is ruining our

forests. Why isn't anyone addressing it?

 

Is it because such issues do not contribute to the economy? Does

Malaysia want to be known only as an industrial nation? Imagine a

Malaysia without rainforests or animals. Why can't we show compassion

towards animals?

 

I am not against Malaysia becoming a developed nation, but at what

price? Some things cannot be replaced, including rainforests and

animals.

 

The authorities will only move if the public pushes them. So, voice

your concerns and force them to take action.