THE WILDLIFE TRADE MONITORING GROUP

30 MAY 2016

PRESS RELEASE

ELEPHANTS TORTURED AT WILDLIFE CULTURAL PARK

Kinantan, Bukittinggi, Sumatra

An investigator from the Scorpion Foundation was both shocked and saddened to see elephants chained by their legs at

this zoo.

 One elephant was chained by two legs, severely limiting its ability to move, eat and drink.

 Scorpion investigator said, “Both elephants are chained most of the all day and all of the night.  This is very bad and it has caused the elephant to look depressed. To me it looks like the zoo is torturing both elephants, when they should be caring for them. We call on BKSDA to free the elephants from their chains, now.”

 The Scorpion Foundation are Indonesia’s leading campaign group investigating zoos all over our country. Most zoos have no idea how to treat their animals. Scorpion want the government to tale more interest in zoos and introduce stricter laws.

Elsewhere in the Wildlife Cultural Park, Scorpion saw orangutans being fed by visitors, bears and other animals in very bad cages.

Scorpion want the government to make mandatory The Five Freedoms for Captive Wildlife –

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst…by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.

2 Freedom from Discomfort…by providing appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

3 Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease….by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.

4 Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour…by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.

5 Freedom from Fear and Distress…by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

A good zoo will focus on conservation and education. Not on making money from entertaining visitors.

 Scorpion added, “Every zoo we visit we find birds and animals being abused and tortured. Will our government ever  

stop this cruelty?”

 --oOo--

Contacat person

Marison Guciano

 Investigator senior

Scorpion Wildlife Trade Monitoring Group

081210195047

Notes to editors: 

 This Press Release refers to Wildlife Cultural Park Kinantan

Jl. Ahmad Yani, Bukittinggi 26136, Indonesia 

Photos credit to: SCORPION