ProFauna calls for nationwide audit of zoos

Wildlife protection group ProFauna called on Saturday for an audit on collections of animals in zoos and safari parks across the country.

The request followed police findings of alleged involvement of a number of conservation groups in illegal trade of rare species raised in captivity.

“The government has to strictly supervise zoos and safari parks to prevent more losses inflicted on the state,” ProFauna campaigner Raidus Nursidi said as quoted by the Antara state news agency.
 
In the latest crackdown on illegal wildlife syndicates in the country, the police seized last month body parts of rare animals stored in a house in Jagakarsa in South Jakarta. The investigators also discovered documents revealing the role of operators of prominent zoos and safari parks in the illicit trade of endangered animals like Sumatran tigers, orangutans, honey bears, bird of paradise and lynx.
 
ProFauna also asked the government to suspend permits to open new zoos, but to focus on development of existing ones.