Piyaporn Wongruang and Anchalee Kongrut
Animal overcrowding at some zoos in the country has, according to this story, highlighted the debate over whether zoo management practices should be overhauled.
After cleaning the cages, Suwan Netlak PATA Zoo’s keeper feeds the animals and takes some of them out for exercise and relaxation.
This routine has been the same for more than two decades and Mr Suwan is committed to it, not out of duty, but out of love.
When he heard news reports about the alleged maltreatment of animals at the zoo, and particularly of a young gorilla named Bua Noi, Mr Suwan’s morale plummeted.
”They may not understand us,” Mr Suwan was quoted as saying, adding, ”When approaching such sensitive animals as Bua Noi, I always disinfect myself to make sure that I will not bring diseases to her. I think I take care of the animals to the best of my ability, but not everyone will see it the same.”
The latest PATA zoo scandal has prompted concerned parties to seriously look into the country’s zoo management standards.
Several wildlife experts agree that Thai zoos are still relatively young when compared with zoos in other countries, which have developed to provide surroundings similar to animals’ natural habitat.
The government issued a ministerial regulation in 1997 to govern zoo management. However, the regulation has been criticised for containing vague terms about zoo operations. This has triggered endless debate about zoo management in Thailand.
Surapon Duangkhae, a former member of the National Wildlife Preservation and Protection Committee was quoted as saying ”If you ask whether we have a standard for managing a zoo or not, I can say that we have, but it is very vague. That is why we have repeatedly heard people questioning the zoo management standard.”
An experienced veterinarian working at a state-run zoo was cited as saying ”animal enrichment” is needed when managing a zoo. This is a process of providing an environment that encourages zoo animals to demonstrate their typical behaviour, which will enhance their well-being.
Animal enrichment includes the use of designs that imitate natural habitat, the preparation of space appropriate to socialised animals and the introduction of objects, sounds, smells or other stimuli that animals are familiar with.
The veterinarian, who asked to remain anonymous, said PATA zoo might not meet these standards.
He said the zoo has limited space and this cannot be corrected to help it achieve the standard of ”good animal welfare”.
”To be fair, this zoo has been doing a good job in taking care of its animals. But visitors will always feel sad when they see animals kept in cages. It has become a moral issue,” he said.
