(ID) International alarm call over Indonesian zoos

[Guest guest]

I just wonder what is Tony Peel's stance on this?

 

http://www.openpr.com/news/96387/International-Concern-over-Alleged-Illegal-Zoo-\

Trade-in-Indonesia.html

 

International Concern over Alleged Illegal Zoo Trade in Indonesia Energy &

Environment

<http://www.openpr.com/news/categories2-4-Energy-Environment.html>

Press release from: *ProFauna Indonesia*

<http://www.openpr.com/news/archive/33064/ProFauna-Indonesia.html>

Tiger skin confiscated by the Forestry Department

<http://www.openpr.com/images/articles/3/8/3803804eba66624c85733d49890dc919_g.jp\

g>

 

International wildlife charity the Born Free Foundation has

joined ProFauna Indonesia in calling for a full investigation into

allegations of illegal trading of wildlife products by several prominent

zoos in the country. The case of the confiscation operation on the protected

animal parts in Jagakarsa, Jakarta (7 August 2009) has been developed by the

authorities.

 

The Forestry Department held the second case presentation on 10 September

2009. The government agency strongly alleged that the illegal wildlife crime

involved three ex-situ conservation institutions. The documents seized from

the suspect showed that the three institutions: Indonesia Safari Game Park

(Taman Safari Indonesia/ TSI), Pematang Siantar Zoological Park (Taman Hewan

Pematang Siantar), and Bandung Zoological Garden (Kebun Binatang Bandung/

KBB), were allegedly involved in the illegal trade of endangered animals.

The documents recorded the transactions between the suspect and the

institutions trading these following endangered species: Sumatran tiger,

orang-utan, Malayan tapir, sun bear, leopard cat, bird of paradise, and cuscus.

 

The alleged involvement of these zoos is horrifyingly ironic that the

ex-situ conservation institutions must have protected and preserved the

endangered animals. According to the 1990 Wildlife Act concerning the

Conservation of the Natural Resources and Ecosystem, 'Every one is

prohibited to keep, own, raise, transport, and trade the protected animals

including its skin, body or other parts, by-products, as well as to export

(inside and outside Indonesia)' Offenders are liable to a maximum five year

prison term and 100 millions IDR (10,000 USD).

 

The most recent case of illegal wildlife trade happening in a zoo was the

death of a Sumatran female tiger in Rimbo Zoo, Jambi, Sumatera (22 August

2009). The poor tiger was murdered, skinned and stolen, only its intestines

remaining in the cage.

 

The Coordinator of Forum against the Illegal Wildlife Trade, Irma Hermawati,

SH, stated 'We applaud the good job of the Forestry Department team that

have succeeded in revealing the illegal wildlife case. The Forum has been

suspecting the involvement of some zoos' corrupt officers in trading the

protected wildlife. Zoos management must be strictly monitored to curb such

wildlife crimes and prevent the country loss from the illegal wildlife

trade.'

 

The international world also criticises the alleged involvement of the zoos

in the illegal wildlife trade. Andrina Murrell from Born Free Foundation

said, 'Born Free Foundation, international conservation and animal welfare

organisation which supports ProFauna, is shocked yet unsurprised to hear

about zoos trading their wild animals for profit. On one hand these zoos are

claiming to preserve and conserve wildlife yet on the other they are

exploiting the animals and encouraging a trade which devastates wild

populations. This trade needs to be exposed and stopped.'

 

ProFauna Indonesia, a wildlife protection organization in Indonesia, has

been advocating the government to inspect all zoos in Indonesia and check

the numbers of the animals kept there. ProFauna Campaign Officer, Radius

Nursidi added, 'ProFauna strongly recommends the government to put

moratorium on Indonesian zoos. The government should not permit any new zoo

and should instead focus on assisting and monitoring the present zoos'

 

ProFauna Indonesia (www.profauna.org) is a wildlife protection organization

in Indonesia established since 1994. With the help of it volunteers all over

Indonesia, ProFauna works through campaigns, education, trade survey, and

wildlife rescue.

 

ProFauna Indonesia

Jl. Raya Candi II/ 179 Malang 65146 Jawa Timur - Indonesia

Contact Person: Butet A. Sitohang

International Communication Officer

email: international<international

mobile: +6281333899741

[Guest guest]

>I just wonder what is Tony Peel's stance on this?

>http://www.openpr.com/news/96387/International-Concern-over-Alleged-Illegal-Zoo\

-Trade-in-Indonesia.html

>International Concern over Alleged Illegal Zoo Trade in Indonesia

>Energy & Environment

 

 

He & I have investigated several cases in point, & have

exposed some of the trafficking, for what little good it did.

 

 

 

--

Merritt Clifton

Editor, ANIMAL PEOPLE

P.O. Box 960

Clinton, WA 98236

 

Telephone: 360-579-2505

Fax: 360-579-2575

E-mail: anmlpepl

Web: www.animalpeoplenews.org

 

[ANIMAL PEOPLE is the leading independent newspaper providing

original investigative coverage of animal protection worldwide,

founded in 1992. Our readership of 30,000-plus includes the

decision-makers at more than 10,000 animal protection organizations.

We have no alignment or affiliation with any other entity. $24/year;

for free sample, send address.]