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[Guest guest]

The Island Thursday 13th September 2003

 

Opinion

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Private zoos and animal rights

 

A statement of Dr. Alawattegama in support of re-opening the Ahungalla Zoo

deals mostly with the human element and not animals. He says the proprietor

of this zoo has been a businessman since 1982, and helped the Ahungalla

residents by offering employment.

 

The zoo also paid entertainment tax to the Balapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha. He

says that when the popularity of the zoo rose, mud-slinging by animal

welfare societies and others began. What on earth could the " mud-slingers "

have gained by closing a zoo, if its animals were well-fed, happy and

comfortable?

 

It was thought to have been foolish to trot around gathering animals faeces

to prove doping, when one glance revealed the pathetic state of the animals

- underfed, mangy and drugged. The attempt of the lion to chew up the boy

taken close to fondle him is surely proof of its natural nature emerging

through the spate of sedatives?

 

Which zoo permits cuddling of its carnivores? Dr. Alawattegama hints darkly

at the going-on in the Dehiwela government zoo. We appreciate his views on

this and request a thorough investigation into its affairs, especially the

sudden demise of some of its costly animals, such as the rhinoceros, said to

have been found dead minus its horn.

 

The state of the government zoo is all the more reason why every animal

lover/Buddhist/Compassionate human being should join to prevent opening or

reopening of any private zoo anywhere in this island.

Prema Ranawaka-Das

Moratuwa

 

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