Jember Mini Zoo to Become an Educational Conservation Institution

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Since its early opening this year, Jember Mini Zoo has become a popular tourist destination for the local public, especially children. As the only zoo in Jember Regency, East Java, the establishment is also interested in continuing to develop into a tourism education conservation institution to provide more protected endangered animals.

"We are now in the process with the conservation agency so that later the Jember Mini Zoo can develop as an educational tour that is complete with various animals," said Jember Mini Zoo Owner Adnan Muhammad on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

Currently, Jember Mini Zoo has a collection of 300 animals with 40 species, including various types of birds and reptiles such as ostriches, peacocks, monitor lizards, and snakes. By becoming a conservation organization, the zoo can take part in caring for endangered species, such as tigers, elephants and several endemic animals of Indonesia.

To make it happen, Adnan said that his group had taken several steps. Management has been invited by the Indonesian Zoo Association (PKBSI) and some of the zoo managers in several regions are willing to exchange their animals to fill the Jember Mini Zoo.

In addition, said Adnan, his group is currently repairing several facilities to provide comfort for the animals. "We also have a team of doctors and nutritionists who always monitor the development of the health of the animals we keep so that they stay healthy," he said.

General Manager of Jember Mini Zoo Arief Febrianto said the process of proposing a mini zoo to become a conservation institution was not easy. There are many processes to go through and have been running for almost a year.

"We expect that the Jember Mini Zoo can immediately become a conservation institution so that endangered endemic species can be protected and made into educational tourism become more attractive and develop," said Arief.

To become a conservation institution, the zoo must have a permit from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Various aspects need to be assessed, such as administration and management facilities, animal management, animal health, visitor facilities, conservation and community empowerment, human resources and sustainability. Currently, there are at least 51 conservation organizations in Indonesia.

Besides having hundreds of animals, Jember Mini Zoo offers several other attractions. Among them are playing in the waterpark, driving around on a mini train, playing with water bikes and learning archery. Visitors, especially children, can also interact with several animals.

ANTARA | IMAJI LASAHIDO (INTERN)

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