(ID) Crocodile Shock in Bali

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Animal Rights Groups Up in Arms About Deplorable Condition of Bask of More

than 130 Crocodiles Abandoned at Taman Festival Bali.

http://www.balidiscovery.com/messages/message.asp?Id=5199

 

(4/25/2009) According to Jakarta Globe, the animal rights group Pro Fauna

has raised the alarm regarding the deplorable condition of a large bask of

crocodiles abandoned at Padang Galak, just north of Bali's famous Sanur

Beach. The reptile collection were once part of the various attractions

located at Taman Festival - a 9.8 hectare entertainment and recreation park

operated by Indonesian businessman Bambang Pangestu. The bankrupted park

closed in 2000 in a half-completed status.

 

Also left behind was a large group of captive crocodiles housed in a pit who

have multiplied and survived, nourished by people who have brought food and,

more recently, through cannibalization.

 

According to Rosek Nursahid of Pro Fauna, " We've monitored their condition

for the past six months and they aren't being treated properly, although

there are keepers that have been appointed to take care of them. " The

Malang-based animal rights group has made formal complaints to the Bali

Conservational Agency (BKSDA) and the Ministry of Forestry in December but

have received no response from these agencies.

 

The reptiles, kept in rancid pools, are resorting to cannibalism to stay

alive. While difficult to count, a census carried out in 2007 estimated 130

crocodiles were living at the park.

 

The lack of an official response to a situation urgently threatening animals

in Bali is pointed by some as an indication of the poor monitoring and

control carried out by those charged with supervising animal welfare in

Bali.