T

he Jakarta Post (May 17) had a photograph of two female orangutans, both with babies clinging to them, enduring a “parade ride” at the Ragunan zoo during a public holiday. I suppose that day was chosen because visitor numbers are at their highest.

I can only describe this picture as greatly upsetting. How can any zoo, or other establishment which confines animals, call it educational or informative to subject these intelligent and sensitive great apes to such a pointless, dangerous and exploitative experience?

Have the multitude of visitors surrounding the four orangutans all been screened for TB, common cold and flu viruses before entering the zoo?

I very much doubt it. The two adult orangutans look stressed and unhappy in the photo. It must have been extremely hot, uncomfortable and confusing for them with a crowd so close by. Goodness knows how the young orangutans must have felt amongst all the noise and commotion.  

Orangutans are not clowns or objects to be poked fun at. They are deeply curious, thoughtful and clever beings who are now on the brink of extinction.

We are going to lose them soon. In my view, the few that are still left deserve far better than this appalling treatment of what is supposedly Indonesia’s most iconic species.

 

Jeanie Elford
London