Panji Satrio, Medan – Sorik lies weakened, emaciated, and struggling to breathe – a mirror of three other Sumatran tigers battling severe illnesses in Medan Zoo, North Sumatera. Sorik and two other tigers suffer from an incurable disease, while another one is still treatable.
Sorik's symptoms resemble those of Nurhaliza, a Sumatran tiger diagnosed with pneumonia and renal disease, ultimately succumbing to the conditions.
"The remaining four Sumatran tigers, three in incurable conditions and one with a treatable ailment," Bambang Hendarto, the Director overseeing Medan City's Regional Development Company, said on Jan. 12, 2024.
Earlier, Erha and Avatar, two tigers, met unfortunate ends on Nov. 6 and Nov. 15, 2023, respectively.
Medan Zoo grapples with financial challenges, endangering the lives of its wildlife. The dire state of the zoo recently gained attention as three Sumatran tigers, including Sorik, exhibit alarming health conditions attributed to incurable diseases.
The zoo's deteriorating condition, worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic, has led to closures and neglect, prompting local influencers and citizens to initiate a cleanup and fundraising campaign. While the zoo struggles, the city's residents unite to save the animals, highlighting the urgent need for financial support and proper care.
Recent observations by Beritasatu.com contributors depict the zoo as resembling a wilderness, with a desolate atmosphere and minimal visitors. Several animal enclosures are visibly damaged and neglected, with overgrown vegetation adding to the unkempt appearance.
Pernius Harefa, the Manager of Medan Zoo, attributes these conditions to the complete closure of the zoo since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Expressing concern over the zoo's plight, influencers and residents of Medan initiated a community-driven campaign to raise donations and participate in a cleanup effort on Wednesday. Approximately 100 residents joined the cause, focusing on clearing overgrown areas, particularly in the zoo's courtyard. Manual methods and small lawnmowers were employed to tackle the tall grass.
In addition to vegetation clearance, the community undertook the cleaning of other facilities, such as toilets. Previous unsanitary conditions have been addressed, with the toilets now deemed suitable for use.
Manager Pernius Harefa extends gratitude to Medan's influencers for their support, acknowledging that donations and the cleanup significantly aided the well-being of the animals and zoo staff.
"I express my gratitude to the influencer friends who cared for the zoo. We understood that Medan Zoo was in a financially precarious state. The support from Medan's citizens, particularly their heartfelt efforts in the cleanup, is truly appreciated," Pernius told Beritasatu.com on Wednesday.
Influencer Mohammad Fahmy said that the initiative stemmed from the increasing number of animal deaths in Medan Zoo, attributed to neglect and distressing conditions. Fahmy and his associates mobilized to collect donations and organize a collaborative cleanup with Medan residents.
He said that Medan influencers have taken two main actions: gathering donations and participating in a collective cleanup to restore the health of the animals and prevent additional diseases.
"We invite the entire Medan community to join us in cleaning this area. So that we can restore the health of the animals," urged Fahmy.
The accumulated donations, amounting to Rp 82 million ($5,223), will be handed over to the management to aid in purchasing food for the zoo's animal collection and supporting the staff.
Mayor Bobby Nasution of Medan has engaged in discussions with Rahmat Shah, Chairman of the Indonesian Zoo Conservation Association (PKBSI), concerning the closure of Medan Zoo. The outcome of their meeting on Jan. 18 indicates an agreed temporary closure by the Medan City Government.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/lifestyle/saving-sorik-medan-residents-band-together-in-epic-zoo-rescu