Not Just Recreation, City Zoo Bandung Is Encouraged To Become A World Class Animal Education Center

Bandung Zoo (doc Bandung Zoo)

BANDUNG The city of Bandung is considered to have great potential to build an international standard urban zoo (city zoo). In the midst of the growing tourism and culinary activities, the presence of modern zoos is considered to be a proud center of conservation, education, and recreation, as well as boosting Bandung's competitiveness in the Southeast Asia region.

This idea was conveyed by the Secretary-General of the Indonesian Zoo Association (PKBSI), Tony Sumampau, who has decades of experience in managing conservation institutions.

Modern animal hoards are not just recreation areas, but also long-term investments. In addition to attracting domestic and foreign tourists, it also contributes to local revenue," Tony said in Bandung, Monday, August 4.

According to him, international zoos will function as educational centers and research. Communities, especially the younger generation, can learn directly about biodiversity and the importance of animal conservation. This facility can also become a living laboratory for academics, both national and international.

Based on the evaluation of the Directorate of Species and Genetics Conservation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry as well as PKBSI, the Bandung Zoo currently has an assessment at the level of "B" or "Good". This means that management has met the basic standards, but there are still a number of aspects that need to be improved to reach the international level.

"For example, animal clinic facilities, cage designs that resemble the original habitat, and feed management still need to be improved," explained Tony.

According to Tony, the transformation towards an international standard zoo is not enough just by renovation. A total reconstruction with a new approach and philosophy is needed.

Some of the main prerequisites that must be met include:

"The ultimate goal is international accreditation from organizations such as the Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums Association (SEAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)," Tony said.

However, building an international zoo is not without challenges. The costs needed for revitalization or new development are estimated to reach trillions of rupiah. In comparison, the rebuilding of the Singapore Zoo costs a lot of money and takes up to 10 years.

Even so, many cities in the world have proven that international city zoo can become an icon of pride. The San Diego Zoo at the US and the Singapore Zoo are examples of successful mergers between conservation, research, and educational tourism.

Tony emphasized that with political support, adequate investment, and long-term vision, the city of Bandung could be the pioneer of modern zoos in Indonesia. This step is believed to bring great benefits, both for the tourism sector, education, conservation, and the economic welfare of the community.