Happier times: A file photo of visitors observing a Sumatran elephant at Lembah Hijau Zoo in Lampung, Indonesia. — The Straits Times/ANN
IN a desperate bid to save hungry animals from being killed and fed to one another, the Indonesian Zoo Association has kicked off a fund-raising drive as the coronavirus pandemic takes a toll on zoo coffers.
Closed since mid-March, the 57 zoos across the country had enough funds to last only three to six months, mostly to feed and provide vet care for 70,000 animals and paying the wages of 22,000 employees, association chairman Rahmat Shah said.
The zoos, whose income largely depended on ticket sales from the 50 million annual visitors, make around S$10mil (RM30.4mil) a month. Some S$6mil (RM18mil) goes towards their upkeep and operations.
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
