The Surabaya Zoo has been in the media spotlight for years. Media across the globe have reported that animals have died, went missing or became emaciated from lack of proper care. Photos like the one of a giraffe that died with a stomach full of plastic garbage have gone viral online
That is why Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini was determined to take it over. "I'm going to take over this month," Risma told Tempo in her office on Monday last week. Her anxiety peaked when she heard that the zoo's executive board was discussing cooperation with investors to build a starred hotel in this urban forest zone in Wonokromo. Their reason was the income from ticket sales could not cover operational costs.
Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan supported Risma's intention to take over the zoo by setting up a Surabaya Zoo Wildlife Park Regional Company. But he imposed the requirement to give up the management right: former executives must be totally uninvolved.
"They keep bickering, arguing about animal feed, fighting over tickets," said Zulkifli, who denied any plan to build a hotel in the green open space zone.
The Surabaya Zoo conflict seems unending.
The long-running management conflict over the zoo led us to take it over. It is temporarily managed by Tony Sumampouw (owner of Taman Safari Park), who is an animal lover. He gets no pay. If anyone wants to manage the zoo well, we will give it to him wholeheartedly. But the management must be according to the policies of conservation. It shouldn't be managed as in the old way. They squabble all the time.
So Surabaya city will take over the management?
If the mayor wants to take over, she is welcome. We will be most happy to let her do so because we have many other problems. We have given our response. Hopefully, she will use people who understand conservation. As long as it's not like the previous management.
When will the hand-over take place?
Anytime they are ready.
How about end of July?
We (the minister and the Surabaya mayor) have never met. We will meet tomorrow (Thursday, July 11).
What are the conditions?
They should manage the zoo according to conservation policies, not like the old management. The only condition is to understand conservation.
Must the mayor settle the previous conflict first?
It must be done. The mayor can delegate someone to do it.
Why not just ignore the two parties in conflict with each other?
I approve of that. Agreed.
Reportedly, someone wants to build a hotel in the zoo premises.
Who would that be?
They say they have an investor?
Total nonsense. That's impossible. The zoo is owned by the state, how can a hotel be built inside its grounds? Maybe that's it (the cause of the conflict). I will oppose it, too. (*)
