The Regional Public Company (Perumda) Surabaya Zoo (KBS) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the health and welfare of all the animals under its care. This step also refutes negative rumors circulating on social media regarding the health conditions of animals at the legendary conservation institution.
Operational and General Director of Perumda KBS, Nurika Widyasanti, stated that all animals are currently in prime condition. Animal management at KBS is carried out sustainably by applying animal welfare principles, ranging from routine maintenance to providing environmental enrichment.
Regarding photos of thin animals such as Melani, Betty, and Beno that went viral on social media, Nurika explained that the documentation consisted of old photos and does not reflect the current condition of KBS's animal collection. She also added that the animal mortality rate at KBS remains within reasonable limits due to natural life cycles, not due to negligence by the management.
To maintain animal fitness, KBS implements a high-quality feeding schedule twice a day, in the morning and afternoon. The type and portion of food are tailored specifically to the nutritional needs of each species. In addition, animal keepers are also trained to be sensitive to changes in animal behavior so that medical treatment can be carried out quickly.
Echoing this, the Head of the Animal Health Department at Perumda KBS, veterinarian Rahmat Suharta, emphasized that slender-bodied animals are not necessarily malnourished. A proportional body is actually crucial to prevent cardiovascular and respiratory diseases caused by obesity. The KBS medical team also routinely conducts daily monitoring, annual vaccinations, and periodic fecal examinations to prevent parasitic infections.
