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AKARTA: The Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) and the Center for Orangutan Protection (COP) staged a rally Thursday at City Hall calling for better treatment of the endangered species in zoos.

COP official Daniek Hendarto said more than 20 orangutans at Ragunan Zoo did not receive acceptable treatment.

“Two years ago we met Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo and he promised changes. Now, the orangutans continue to be imprisoned in those terrible cages, and they are short of food and proper care,” Daniek said.

He said conservationists were concerned for the wellbeing of the orangutans under the care of Ulrike von Mengden, a 91-year-old woman who has looked after the animals for years.