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Activities Report 1999 July Newsletter

Open Zoos or Open Spaces?

      The swift response by the Mentri Besar YAB Tan Sri Mohd Khalil Yaakob to a concerned public regarding the deplorable condition of the mini-zoo of the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum in Pekan is most welcome. The animals would have to continue their suffering if no action was taken.
      To move the animals to the Agriculture Park in Bandar Indera Mahkota where the animals may receive better care is possible. But these animals are wild and they are more adapted in the wild. The behaviour of animals in confined spaces or dissimilar to their natural habitats is well studied nowadays, they tend to be more restless and mentally unhealthy which may lead to aggression.
      A more suitable suggestion is to place them back in the wild where they once belonged.Before their return, the Wildlife Department or Veterinary Department should rehabilitate them and return them once they are ready. Their chances of survival are higher.
      As mentioned by the Mentri Besar, "Pahang has several national and state parks where visitors are able to see the wild animals in their natural surroundings". Wild animals should be enjoyed in their natural habitat rather than be seen confined in cages or small spaces.

Dato' Dr Salleh Mohd Nor                  Letter to the Editor, Kuala Lumpur, 29 April 1999


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Created on 30th June 1999