Deforestation is the problem, not zoos, says animal rights activist

[superadmin]

PETALING JAYA: A zoo functions as a place for conservation and research purposes, and should not be phased out, says Malaysian Animal Association president Arie Dwi Andika.

Zoos are important for researchers to learn about various wildlife, he said, and it would not be sensible for them to catch these animals in jungles just to complete their research.

Arie’s comments comes in response to a call by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) for the government to reconsider the concept of zoos. CAP said zoos cost too much to maintain and contribute to animal cruelty.

However, Arie said that the focus should be on stopping deforestation in the country as more animals are put at risk of extinction.

He said zoos remained relevant as they help to support breeding and rescue programmes for endangered species and enable sharing of expertise between officials of zoos and local parks.


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