TEMPO.CO, Jambi - Jambi's Taman Rimbo Zoo welcomes a new member, a male tapir brought in from Kandi Sawahlunto, West Sumatra.
Head of Taman Rimbo Zoo's animal care department, Arif Makhfud, says the 10-year-old Tapir has been given the name Bobi.
"Our tapir family is ever more complete since we already have two female tapirs," Arif told Tempo on Monday (25/3).
The two female tapirs Sari, 10 years old, and Kasih, 4 years old, were captured by the residents of Batanghari Regency two years ago before being brought to the zoo. Arif hopes that Bobi’s arrival can provide a chance for the tapirs to mate.
He said that tapirs are increasingly under threat because many people regard them as pests. They love to consume leaves, including palm tree leaves as well as rubber tree bark. Unfortunately, they often feed in areas that happen to be on people’s properties, causing some damage.
The arrival of Bobi increases the number of animals in the zoo to 285. The collection includes a variety of birds – dominating the zoo with around 200 birds – as well as primates and reptiles.
Head of Taman Rimbo Zoo, Adrianis, said that the zoo's 2.6-hectare space is at risk of being reduced due to a road-widening project. The plan is in line with the renovation of Jambi's Sultan Thaha Airport, located opposite the zoo.
Adrianis explained that the zoos profits--especially from ticket sales--will improve the area's income. In 2011, the zoo generated up to Rp1.3 billion in revenue, which increased to some Rp1.5 billion in 2012.
"This (income) is enough to cover operational costs as well as the zookeepers' wages."
SYAIPUL BAKHORI
