letter to the editor: Clarification from Taman Safari

Regarding The Jakarta Post article "Zoos Linked to Protected Animal Sales" (Sept. 14, 2009), the management of Taman Safari Indonesia wants to state emphatically that it is not involved in any illegal trade as suggested in the story. Taman Safari Indonesia was opened as an Ex-situ Conservation Site in 1990 and has never been involved as a wildlife trader to Wardi, the suspected illegal animal trader.

From 1997 to 2001, TSI was in contact with Wardi, known as an offset (Taxidermist). This occurred only in the event of the death of an animal by natural causes and when the animal could be of used for conservation education programs at TSI.

At no stage has TSI engaged in the illegal wildlife trade, nor will it ever do so.

We are an organization dedicated to the protection of wildlife and will continue doing this work.

To suggest otherwise is not only irresponsible but totally incorrect. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Yulius H. Suprihardo
Public Relations
Taman Safari Indonesia
Bogor