Since March 23, 2020, Medan Zoo in Simalingkar, Deli Serdang is closed and there is practically no income. The closure was also carried out to prevent the spread of the Corona COVID-19 virus.
The closure has an impact on the lack of income in the Conservation Institution (LK) that collects more than 200 animals. Impact not only on animals, but also on the salaries of employees who work are also disrupted. In one day the need for food alone is around Rp. 3 million. The animals are in good condition, there are 2 veterinarians and employees assigned, the rest is laid off, "said Director of Regional Company (PD) Medan City Development, Putrama Al Khairi, Monday (4/27/2020)." Right now, there are also 16 tigers are risking their lives in the midst of a pandemic, "he said. Putrama revealed, within a month Medan Zoo needed funds of up to Rp 100 million for animal care. These costs do not include employee salaries.
Until now there has not been any starving animals in Medan Zoo. However, to meet the food needs of animals, managers are forced to seek debt to and fro. Medan Zoo management has also collected donations from the Regional Government Work Unit (SKPD) of Medan City Government (PEMKO) in the amount of Rp 32 million. Then North Sumatra Bank's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) assistance of Rp. 25 million. "We also opened a donation coin which is currently only collected around Rp. 1 million. Thank God we also received 200 chickens from the Gembira Loka Zoo in Yogyakarta," Putrama said.
The survival of wild animals in a zoo depends on the continuity of feeding from the manager. If the feed needs of wild animals are not fulfilled, bad things will happen, such as: Death due to hunger. we hope that the covid-19 pandemic will end soon, the need for our shared awareness to be able to help each other in the transmission of the spread of Covid-19. Medan Zoo is also still opening official donations to help endangered animals. "Donations can be handed over or picked up directly," Putrama said.
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