Surabaya ‘Death’ Zoo Kills Again

An endangered female Bornean orangutan is dead, the latest victim of the notoriously cruel Surabaya Zoo. Nanik apparently suffered for weeks before dying at the tender age of 12 years old—a mere fraction of the more than 45 years that she could have lived in her natural habitat.

Young Nanik’s death comes on the heels of an announcement that a critically endangered Sumatran tiger named Rozek died at the zoo after suffering from an undiagnosed digestive problem. Another tiger, Melani, suffered from the same ailment and was half her recommended weight when she was relocated to another zoo.

Adding to the long list of horrors, the only giraffe at the Surabaya Zoo died after ingesting almost 20 kilograms of plastic, which the zoo claims was thrown into his enclosure by guests. It was later found that the giraffe had suffered from tuberculosis, which was not surprising considering that the zoo has been criticized for being severely crowded and filthy.

These deaths—added to the number of other animals who have died or gone missing at Surabaya Zoo over the years—only confirm that the animals at the zoo are continuing to suffer from severe neglect and inadequate veterinary care. It’s clear that even though the management has changed, the zoo’s shameful policies continue.

Please help put an end to the suffering!

Write to the Ministry of Forestry and demand that the Surabaya Zoo be closed and the animals sent to suitable sanctuaries.

Send polite comments to:

The Honorable Zulkifli Hasan
Minister of Forestry
Building Block I Manggala Wanabakti Lt. 3
Jalan Gatot Subroto, Senayan
Jakarta, Indonesia 10270
[email protected]

Please also write to your nearest Indonesian Embassy or consulate. A list of embassies and consulates can be found here. The animals who are imprisoned in sickening conditions at the Surabaya Zoo need to live free from pain and hunger.

Nanik paid the highest price for human entertainment. Help make sure that no animal has to endure such a fate and pledge never to visit any zoo or animal park.

Posted by Jason Baker