Tue, Apr 25, 2006 page8

• Letter: How to improve Taipei Zoo

  • By Charles Shuttleworth
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  I am writing in response to recent adverse comment on Taipei Zoo.

  From my own knowledge this criticism is justified. And, although there are some mitigating factors, the situation is an appalling indictment of the zoo's management.

  For a modern, well-funded zoo to keep an animal, namely a chimpanzee (`Siao Chiang'), in cramped, solitary confinement for nine years simply because he was intelligent enough to manage to escape on two occasions and also misbehaved, is inexcusable.

  Although the zoo has used a lack of funds as justification, there has been sufficient funding available to construct an enormously expensive Panda House and adjoining buildings (which are now a white elephant as these animals are not coming to Taiwan), and a sea of concrete and garish buildings which, however appealing they are to visitors, appear to have been constructed at the expense of the animals.

  There were funds enough to buy false trees to replace the natural ones cut down. I could go on ad infinitum, however, I will just say that the current orangutans on exhibit, which are totally arboreal in nature, are housed in an enclosure more suitable for the African rock hyrax.

  However, there are two sides to every coin. In respect of the pandas, where politics raises its ugly head, the chimps I saw shivering in the recent winter cold are, despite having a DNA and molecular structure similar to humans, not the economic draw pandas are and all zoos are subject to the exhibit value of their animals.

  Also, the zoo authorities are not masters of their own fate -- they are controlled by the Taipei City Council, which appears to be reluctant to loosen its purse strings, at least where the animals' welfare is concerned. On a recent visit to the zoo, together with an associate, the zoo staff promised to carry out he improvements we suggested, and credit must be given to them because they are trying their best although their hands are tied, at least for now, where budgetary matters are concerned.

  As a longtime resident of Taiwan, I am most concerned with the nation's image abroad, and I feel the Taiwan's interests would be better served by a committee to oversee all aspects of the zoo.

  Local academics in relevant fields and representatives of international wildlife agencies could act as observers and advisors, without political interference.

  The criterion governing every decision should be a balanced concern for both visitors to the zoo and its animal inhabitants. A member of this committee could act as a zoo press officer to ensure that Taipei Zoo gets fair media coverage both locally and overseas.

  The zoo is an enormous success financially, with a huge budget, millions of visitors and all the necessary expertise. It should, and can, be able to avoid criticism.

  Charles Shuttleworth
  

  Representative in Taiwan, International Primate
  

  Protection League
  

  Taipei County
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