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giraffe dies after swallowing nearly 20 kilograms of litter thrown into his pen. A Sumatran tiger starves to death after his digestive tract rotted away from being fed meat laced with formaldehyde. Weather-related conditions are blamed for the death of a wildebeest and an orangutan. A lion is found dead, hanging from wires used to open the door of his cage.

Even if only one of these incidents had occurred, it would indicate a significant problem with a zoo'€™s management. But together, they demonstrate a need for drastic and immediate action: Surabaya Zoo needs to be closed.

These deaths represent just a small fraction of the animals that have suffered and died at the hands of this decrepit facility. A former member of the zoo'€™s management estimates that 50 animals have died in just the last three months. How many more deaths will it take for the government to take action? The facility is undoubtedly a blight on Indonesia'€™s reputation.

As sad as it is, the animals that have died can be considered the lucky ones. Those who have been to Surabaya Zoo can attest to the animal'€™s suffering.

Animals are confined to trash-littered, barren, cramped cages that are measly fractions of the size of the wild habitats that they would call home. There is nothing in their cages or pens to occupy their keen minds.

The government must take immediate action. Although it'€™s too late for many animals, hundreds more are enduring what can only be called '€œHell on Earth'€ every passing day.

Surabaya Zoo should be closed immediately and the animals sent to sanctuaries or facilities that are better able to care for them. The world is watching and waiting for officials to show their commitment to animal welfare.

Jason Baker
Hong Kong