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KOTA KINABALU: International Animal Care Specialists will be in Sabah to assist with Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.
The Sabah Wildlife Department is working with APE Malaysia on Lok Kawi Wildlife Park with the Association of American Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) who are coming here on Monday (Oct 29).
The team of eight specialists, including zookeepers, educators and a zoo director, will provide expertise to upgrade enclosures and welfare standards for the animals.
The Sabah Wildlife Department Officer in charge of the Wildlife Park, Nurain Acheh, said the new management in this year.
It was reported that an adolescent elephant rescued 13 years ago from an oil palm plantation had died on June 27, while a four-year-old calf is believed to have died on May 7.
"Since the new management started, we have had some recommendations on the right steps to take.
"APE Malaysia is the first to work with us." It will take several years to make positive changes.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Yuuga said that the animal welfare was given priority at the wildlife park.
Based on an external audit recently, he said APE Malaysia would list a few upgrading items to the orang-utan enclosure.
"These include adding more items for orang-utans, sun bears and elephants," he added.
APE Malaysia project director Mazrul Mahadzir said "only a few things" could be achieved in the two-day trip by the American experts.
But discussions were on-going for a "long term plan" to improve animal welfare with the Lok Kawi wildlife park management, he added.
APE Malaysia has worked with Negara Zoo (near Kuala Lumpur), Taiping Zoo & Night Safari, Melaka Zoo & Night Safari, Matang Wildlife Center (in Perak) and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center (Sandakan) over the years.
Wild Welfare, a UK-based animal welfare charity, also came into their expertise after being invited by the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park Management.
They did a three-day audit on the zoo and found "several areas of concern".
"We are concerned about the current controlling methods used to manage their elephants," said Wildlife Welfare Field Director Dave Morgan on Oct 16.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew said on Oct 27 that the Sabah Wildlife Department has to "act immediately" on Wildlife Welfare's recommendations for improvements to the zoo.
Liew, who is state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, said, "Wild Welfare presented its findings to the ministry. We acknowledge that there are several animal welfare issues that need to be resolved at the park. "
Related stories:
UK-based Wild Welfare audits Lok Kawi Park, proposed improvements
Two Borneo pygmy elephants at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
Act now to ensure park's improvement, Sabah Wildlife Dept urged
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