Bandung Zoo, INDONESIA 26/01/2017

Bandung Zoo, INDONESIA 26/01/2017

BANDUNG ZOO, INDONESIA

FALSE CLAIMS OF STARVING BEARS

Kardit3

Above photograph – 23 year old “Kardit” the Sunbear who is at the center of false starvation claims. Photograph taken 17/01/2017

Bandung Zoo, Indonesia – 26/01/2017

Cee4life Correspondent Report (CCR)

A video that was released by an Indonesian group on 16th May 2016, which was said to show “starving” bears,  has recently resurfaced and become a viral video causing outrage across the world with animal lovers.

Cee4life was contacted by numerous concerned members of the public and asked to assist.

After investigating these “starvation” claims,  Cee4life has found that these claims are false.

After communicating with Indonesian authorities, we can confirm that the video is old and from May 2016. The identity of who re-uploaded the video is unknown at this time.

The situation is as follows:

* In mid 2015, the only Veterinarian that Bandung Zoo had, resigned due to lack of funds.  The owner and Chairman of Bandung Zoo carried on the best he could, however he became very ill by early 2016.

* The Minister of Environment and Forestry contacted the Perhimpunan Kebun Bintatang Se- Indonesia or PKBSI, (English translation – Indonesian zoos and Aquariums Association) asking if they could aid Bandung Zoo. PKBSI accepted and has been helping the animals of Bandung Zoo since May 2016.
* PKBSI has sent a team of Veterinarians from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine IPB , the Veterinary Association of Indonesia and a Veterinarian from Taman Safari Indonesia, in addition to curators and head keepers from Taman Safari Indonesia who brought medicine to help the animals of Bandung zoo.
* The Taman Safari Veterinarians rotate through Bandung Zoo 3 days per week until Bandung Zoo employs a Veterinarian of their own.
“Kardit” the Sunbear
There are 11 Sunbears in Bandung Zoo, all have had Veterinary checks and all are in good health.  In the original video, a specific sun-bear was identified who looked thinner than the others. This began the “starvation” commentary.
The sun-bear in question is named “Kardit” and he is 23 years old.  Kardit is nearly at the full lifespan age of a sun-bear (25 – 30 years) and has a normal physical condition of a bear this age. Kardit eats very well and is not starving. None of the bears or other animals are starving at this time.
The begging that is seen in the video is caused by tourists who have fed the bears. Tourists are not supposed to feed the bears, however many have and the bears have learned to reach out for food when tourists come by. This is a human caused problem that is prevalent in many zoo across SE Asia.
In conclusion, Bandung Zoo was in trouble, but since May 2016 it has been receiving aid from the Indonesian Zoo’s and Aquariums.  While the enclosures are not ideal, the animals are being fed and have received Veterinary aid since May 2016. Cee4life will endeavor to monitor the progress of the animals over the coming months to reassure the public that the animals are in good health. It was also found that even if the authorities wish to relocate the animals, there is simply no facility or sanctuary to house these animals at this time.
If there is a need to help out with aid, we will inform the public on this.
There are many photographs and film footage that circulates the internet.  It can be very upsetting, however it may not be what it presents as. We highly advise that if you see this type of video please contact Cee4life or any other organisation or authority.  Cee4life will always endeavor to investigate the facts.
Kardits exhibit 2
Part of Kardits exhibit – (Note: Sunbear in tree is not Kardit”  Sunbears are rotated though this exhibit)
Team in Bandung
The team of Veterinarians, curators and head keepers from Faculty of Veterinary Medicine IPB ,
the Veterinary Association of Indonesia and Taman Safari Indonesia aiding Bandung Zoo since May 2016
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