Don't Let Beno's Death be in Vain. Save the surviving animals in Surabaya Zoo.
- by: Robyn Baker
- recipient: His Excellency Dr.Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, The President of the Republic of Indonesia and The Honourable Mayor of Surabaya, Tri Rismaharini
Surabaya Zoo has become synonomous with the deaths and the misery of the animals within its walls. Images of Melani the Sumatran Tiger starving to death polarised the International community into action to save the animals from further suffering. Melani has since be removed to another facility and is receiving treatment. Tests have confirmed that she was being poisoned by meat laced with formalin. She is one of the lucky ones.
Heartbreakingly, too many other animals have perished. I now have confirmation that the Black Bear seen in the photos has also died. Beno endured a long, drawn out and agonising death. He died in a concrete cell open to the elements and alone. He and other animals have died because of the Indonesian Government and the Zoo's neglect, apathy and inaction. We can not allow his death to be in vain.
This petition is now focused on putting pressure on the President of Indonesia and The Mayor of Surabaya to allow immediate access to the animals in Surabaya Zoo and to work with the Ministry of Forestry, the Indonesia Zoo and Aquarium Association and other welfare groups to implement permanent change by way of National Standards for all Zoo's in Indonesia and a future plan for the operation and the care of the animals within Surabaya Zoo.
Beno died alone. My heart breaks everytime I see his image. Tired, defeated, sick, broken and dying. We can channel our anger and saddness at his death into action to save the other animals that so desperately need our help by signing this petition and sharing it with as many people as possible.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/498123016921219/
His Excellency
Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
The President of the Republic of Indonesia
Merdeka Palace
Jakarta
The Honourable Mayor of Surabaya
Tri Rismaharini
The Office of City Council
Surabaya
Dear Mr President,
It has come to our attention through photographs, video footage and investigative reports presented on Social Media that the animals in Surabaya Zoo in East Java Indonesia are in critical stages of malnutrition and neglect. Photos of Melani, the Sumatran Tiger starving and close to death have awakened the international community's awareness of the horrific conditions within the walls of Surabaya Zoo. The name of Surabaya Zoo also known as Kebun Binatang Surabaya, has quickly become synonymous with the suffering and exploitation of thousands of animals. Some of the animals that are the victims of this abuse are critically endangered such as the Orang-utan and Sumatran Tiger (http://www.iucnredlist.org/search).
The wall of shame continues to grow in this death trap. Kliwon a 30 year old giraffe died after collapsing because he had ingested over 20kg of plastic. Other animals that have died as a direct result of starvation, neglect and disease include the death of a hippo from liver disease, Rezak a Sumatran Tiger, a rare Komodo dragon, an African lion named Osama, a Babirusa, a Bawean deer, and two cheetahs that were gifted to the zoo by South Africa who were torn apart and killed because they were put in enclosures with tigers! There are literally hundreds of unexplained deaths taking place each year. One of the saddest is the long agonising death of Beno the bear. Beno died in horrible pain and discomfort his body covered in open sores and ulcers. He died alone in a tiny concrete cell devoid of proper veterinary care and treatment. He died because of the zoos apathy and neglect. But we will not let his death be in vain.
As the situation for the animals in the Zoo is so critical we call upon the Honourable President Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to have this facility immediately investigated and to allow proper veterinary care to be administered to the animals. We also call for the President and Mayor Rismaharini to allow the immediate intervention by the Indonesia Zoo and Aquarium Association, with the assistance of other Animal Welfare Organisations if required. As there is no independent organisation setting the standards for Kebun Binatang Surabaya we also call upon Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Mayor Tri Rismaharini to support calls for an Independent body to set National Standards that will be adopted for all Zoos and Aquariums within Indonesia, in particular Surabaya Zoo.
The country of Indonesia has long been a favourite destination for millions of tourists every year. Over 8,000000 International Visitors arrived on Indonesian shores last year alone, bringing with them over $9,000000000 US. Unless the Government of Indonesia acts immediately to resolve the mismanagement and abuses of Surabaya Zoo and other Zoos within Indonesia that operate similarly, then the petitions will continue to circulate and the call will be made for people to reconsider their holiday choices. The Indonesian Government cannot display such utter disregard for the welfare of the animals in her care and expect the rest of the world to support their contempt and indifference by injecting their money into the Indonesian economy.
We urge you to act immediately to resolve this situation.
With Regards
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-19/tigers-languish-in-squalid-indonesian-zoo/5100928
We need to demand that the Indonesian Government finally intervene and allow local & foreign animal welfare personnel to provide immediate aid to the animals. We need more signatures and we need them now. These animals are dying. Please share this petition.
Robyn
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