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
Back to 1999 July Newsletter index
[
Back to MNS Perak Home ]
Created on 30th June 1999