Monkey cruelty too much

On a recent visit to Ragunan Zoo in Jakarta, I was distressed to observe the conditions under which the primates (several species of gibbon, macaque monkeys, leaf monkeys and a proboscis monkey) are kept. Their enclosures offer metal bars, concrete floors, dirty drinking water and little else. This is in stark contrast to the much more pleasant conditions provided in the nearby Schmutzer Primate Center.

In addition, some animals are caged individually instead of in pairs or family groups. Such a solitary existence is extremely stressful for them. The animals are almost all exhibiting signs of stress, ranging from aggressive behaviors to listlessness.

The condition of these primates is not aided by the fact that visitors to the zoo harass them and feed them all sorts of things, even though this is supposedly forbidden by Ragunan.

In light of the above observations, I wonder if it would be possible to move the primates in Ragunan to the Schmutzer Primate Center. The size and design of the enclosures there would enable the animals to have a much higher quality of life.

I understand that space might be a problem at Schmutzer. If that is case, could the existing enclosures in Ragunan be upgraded? Finally, could there be frequent patrols around the primate enclosures to ensure that Ragunan enforces its policy banning the feeding and harassment of the animals?

ANNETTE E. PIPE
Jakarta