Indonesia’s Bandung Zoo Faces Animal Welfare Crisis as Legal Dispute Threatens Starvation for 700+ Animals
Bandung, Indonesia – Over 700 animals at Bandung Zoo are at risk of starvation and deteriorating conditions as a protracted legal dispute prevents the facility from reopening and restoring its income, officials and animal welfare advocates warn. since March, seven animals, including a pelican and a binturong, have reportedly died due to declining animal care and stress caused by changes to enclosure layouts stemming from the internal conflicts.
The zoo has been closed as the Bandung management seeks to resolve disputes over its management and ensure proper oversight of the city-owned land on which it operates. “We urgently hope the city will reopen Bandung Zoo. Who will take duty if the animals starve and die?” a concerned party stated, according to reports.
Head of the Bandung Finance and Asset Agency (BKAD) Agus Slamet Firdaus explained the city’s position, stating, “The Bandung administration does not wish to intervene in internal disputes. Our responsibility is simply to ensure that the land owned by the city is managed properly, both administratively and legally.” he added that the administration is encouraging the disputing factions to reach a peaceful resolution to allow the zoo to reopen to the public.
The zoo is home to a diverse range of animals, including Bengal tigers, lions, leopards, eagles, peacocks, orangutans, camels, hippos, zebras, alligators, giraffes, tapirs, binturongs, Javan langurs and cassowaries.
The city administration has also reached out to the Forestry Ministry, which oversees conservation permits for zoos, requesting clarification and guidance on the ongoing situation. The long-term solution, according to those concerned, is for the Bandung administration to allow the zoo to reopen so it can restore its income and maintain its operations.
