runaway panther and elephant babe in Zoo Negara

[Guest guest]

Wednesday June 12th 2002 New Straits Times

 

Runaway panther shows Johor Zoo needs a facelift

 

June 12: THE recent escape of the panther from Johor Zoo is a blessing in

disguise. While many people had to live in fear for about a week, the

incident highlighted to us that the animal sanctuary needs a facelift. A

visit to the zoo will show that it requires repair, refurbishment and

probably some extension works as well.

 

I am not saying Johor Zoo is in poor condition, but I believe in other zoos

more has been done to provide the animals with a comfortable life.

 

I am happy that the panther has attracted sponsorship from an energy drink

manufacturer, and I hope more companies will come forward to sponsor other

animals at the zoo.

 

AZMI ATAN Balakong

 

 

 

 

MM Highlight: MAIL HIGHLIGHT - 11th June 2002

Elephants, are my friends !

 

A. SIVALINGAM has a way with animals, especially elephants. They are all he

has dealt with in his 32 years with Zoo Negara.

 

Triang, Siti and Sibol have all been under his care since they were but a

few days old.

 

" I love the animals, " he said.

 

He has been training the animals for shows put up at the zoo. And even

behind the scenes, they abide by his every command.

 

" They are scared of me and they listen to me. I am their trainer, " he

proudly proclaimed.

 

He seems to have a bond with the animals. When he is around, they are on

their best behaviour.

 

He said the baby elephant chaos came about because it was Sibol's first time

giving birth.

 

He was referring to the incident after birth on Wednesday when the calf was

injured in the limbs when Sibol lost her composure after delivery and

knocked down a concrete wall in the commotion.

 

" In the wilderness, other female elephants would intervene if another

elephant were to hurt its young. But in such a confinement, there is no one

to show her the ropes, " he said.

 

He said that the violent behaviour of Sibol is normal in enclosures.

 

" In zoos, when an animal gives birth, she does not understand that the

offspring is her baby. Only after two or three births does she realise

this, " he said.

 

This incident has taught him how to handle such a situation in future.

 

" This is the first time it has happened. Now we are prepared, " he said.

 

He said the mother, Sibol, had no idea her calf is hurt and they only showed

some form of communication from afar.

 

" A slight sound from the baby makes Sibol uneasy, " he said.

 

He, together with the elephant's vets and keepers, are doing everything to

reunite the mother with her calf.

 

" It is vital that the calf is brought back to her mother. She needs her

mother's milk to get healthy, " he said.

 

He is confident the calf will be in the best of health soon.

 

" She is already 85 per cent healed, " he said.

 

As for yesterday's attempt to get them together, he said it was not

successful.

 

" The mother did not throw a tantrum but there was no response. Today we

tried for 35 minutes. The next time, we will try for an hour, " he said.

 

He is convinced there is hope for mother and child to accept each other. But

it will take time.

 

 

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