Geopix Finds Several Bandung Zoo Animals Allegedly Stressed

BANDUNG - The conservation organization, Geopix, found a number of animals at the Bandung Zoo (Bandung Zoo) allegedly experiencing stress due to management that was considered not yet feasible.

Senior Wildlife Campaigner Geopix Annisa Rahmawati asked the management and government to ensure the welfare of the animals before the zoo is reopened to the public.

"The field findings related to the alleged stress conditions of orangutans, elephants, and black monkeys are very worrying, worrying, and should not be ignored," he said in a statement received in Bandung, Antara, Monday, January 19.

He emphasized that the reopening of the Bandung Zoo must be preceded by a thorough evaluation by the management and the government. The safety and welfare of animals must be a priority, especially in the midst of the internal conflict of the zoo's management.

"We urge the Bandung Zoo management agency, the Bandung City Government, and the Ministry of Forestry not to rush to reopen the zoo without ensuring that the animal conditions and management standards are really feasible," he said.

Senior Biologist and Wildlife Curator of the Center for Orangutan Protection, Indira Nurul Qomariah, highlighted the condition of one of the elephants which showed stereotypical behavior in the form of repetitive movements without purpose, which is an indicator of stress.

This behavior, according to him, can be triggered by an environment that does not support the welfare of animals, such as a lack of social interaction.

Geopix assessed that the opening of the zoo in the midst of indications of animal welfare disorders has the potential to worsen the condition of the animals and reflects the weakness of ex-situ conservation governance in Indonesia.

Spokesperson for the Tamansari Wildlife Foundation (YMT) Ully Rangkuti confirmed that since August 2025, the YMT management and management under the leadership of John Sumampauw no longer physically operate in the Bandung Zoo area.

He explained that this step was a form of compliance and respect for the direction of the Bandung City Government which asked that only those who have a direct duty to care for animals be at the zoo location.

"Since then, the presence of personnel at the Bandung Zoo has been focused on technical personnel who handle animal welfare, namely keepers and veterinarians," he said.