(MY) call to expedite zoo guidelines

[Guest guest]

SAM welcomes Zoo Guidelines and Called for Amendment to Wildlife Act to be

expedited.

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Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) welcomes the announcement by the Minister of

Science, Technology and Environment to introduce the new zoo guidelines to

be made effective immediately.

 

We also urge the Minister to expedite the incorporation of these guidelines

into the Wildlife Protection 1972 to enable effective enforcement which

will allow them to revoke licences or fine park operators for failure to

comply with the guidelines. SAM has been calling for these zoo guidelines

for the past years in view of the horrendous findings by SAM on the state of

animals, birds and reptiles operated by private, municipal councils and

state owned zoos. SAM is optimistic that the proposed guidelines will

enable individuals and private zoo operators to provide good husbandry,

veterinary and enrichment for all captive wildlife.

 

It is high time the Minister look into and stop the number of upcoming zoos

in almost every state. In any open space or recreational area there is bound

to be a mini zoo or aviary for the entertainment and education of the

public. What educational value does it teach when children perceive the

caging of wildlife as acceptable and that it is alright to put all wildlife

behind bars? These establishments only teach the wrong concept of education

and conservation.

 

It is obvious that privately managed zoos cannot sustain themselves without

adequate funding and it is time we realise this. Rather than having so many

zoos, it would do well to have only one or two well maintained ones.

 

Another area of major concern to SAM is the use of animals in show

performances where animals/birds are forced to perform unnatural acts which

are against their natural behaviour. Training methods are often cruel which

comes in the forms of chains, whips and even bullhooks used for prodding

elephants behind the ears and in other sensitive areas to get them to

perform.

 

It should be noted that an abuse meted out to a chimp in the Singapore Zoo

resulted in the ban on the use of primates in entertainment.

 

The Ministry should seriously consider a ban in the use of captive wildlife

for in all fields of entertainment in all zoos and animal parks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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