S

urabaya Zoo in East Java is in need of better management to preserve its animal collection following the recent death of a female orangutan named Nanik, claims an expert.

Nanik, one of 10 orangutans from Kalimantan, part of the Surabaya Zoo collection, died on Sept. 21. The orangutan was one of 44 animals that have died at the zoo between July and September this year. Other dead animals include a mountain goat, a green peacock and a penguin.

Zoo spokesman Agus Supangkat said that based on preliminary examination by veterinarians at the zoo, the 12-year-old orangutan died of a liver disorder and a colon tumor.

In 2010, 261 animals died at the zoo, while in 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively, 430, 326 and 264 animals died.

Surabaya Zoo has been managed by the Surabaya city administration since July this year. It had been managed from 2010 by a team from the Forestry Ministry.

 Indonesian Zoo Animals Association secretary general Tony Sumampau said the Surabaya Zoo management should conduct an assessment of animal care and management to improve conditions at the zoo, including support facilities, such as animal enclosures and cages.

'€œDon'€™t let the new team focus only on new paint without also paying attention to animal welfare issues,'€ he added.

'€œThe issue is not only due to over-population and cramped cages. The current management should also improve the diets of animals so they can survive and breed in the zoo,'€ said Tony.

Tony added that animal enclosures at the zoo had been refurbished thanks to donations from a number of state enterprises. However, he wondered whether the new management ignored dietary and welfare issues focusing only on refurbishing the facilities.

Surabaya Zoo managing director Ratna Achjuningrum said her management would continue to improve existing facilities because the zoo was a place of pride for Surabaya residents and a cheap recreation spot for them to visit.

Earlier, Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini set a target of three years to restore the zoo by setting aside Rp 60 billion (US$5.4 million) from the city budget to manage the zoo over the next five years.

Risma said her administration had made various efforts, including raising the salaries of employees so they could concentrate better on their jobs. She added that animal welfare was also a top priority.

'€œSurabaya Zoo will attain an international standard with the inclusion of a sea world and night zoo to attract more visitors,'€ said Risma.