Are We Being Cruel To Animals? - A Visit To The Zoo 

There has been much criticism recently about the state of the Dehiwala Zoo, The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, one of the oldest zoological gardens in Asia. Social media is buzzing with various stories and a call to the closure of the Zoo, as they state that animals are being neglected. The Daily Mirror Life paid a visit to the Zoo to find out more. 

As we purchased our tickets at the counter and walked in fairly early in the day, there were only a few people around. The Zoo looked the same as it did a couple of years back when I visited it last. The Zebras were strolling around on the right side of the walkway. The Ostrich were strutting around on the left. One of them had laid eggs and were hatching them. The main walkways had been swept and relatively clean but of course could be a lot better. The dilapidated garbage bins definitely needed to be replaced. 

Being a country ravaged by war for over three decades it is unfortunate that funds have not been allocated to care for animals the way they should be cared for. Now that we are at a different place, the authorities concerned need to give some emphasis to these neglected matters. 

As we walked on, we saw a lot of construction work happening in certain areas. It was evident that we could expect better conditions in the future. The concept of the enclosures seem to be different to the present ones we have been seeing; probably ever since the inception of the Zoo. 

The Daily Mirror Life team met with the Acting Director General of the Zoological Department Mrs. Dhammika Malsinghe and asked her what her views were on the recently circulated video clip. Here’s what she had to say. 

What do you have to say about this video that says there is cruelty to animals and animal trafficking matters happening at the Dehiwala Zoo? 

I cannot accept these allegations because when you watch this video carefully, the scenes of harassment are mostly from Thailand and some have been sourced from YouTube. This is not what I am saying but it is stated very clearly on each frame that’s not authentic. Whoever who made this video has included  some footage from the Dehiwala Zoo also, to make it look like all footage has been from here but a lot of it is not. So how can there be any credibity in this allegation? Even the video clip that is made as proof of this allegation is fake. 

At this point Ms. Malsinghe switched on her laptop and showed me the video clip. Although I  had already seen it, I had not noticed that there was a watermark stating the the source very clearly on some of the frames. Some clearly said Thailand and some said YouTube. 

But why would anyone make a video of this nature, taking footage from other sources to discredit the Zoo? 

I personally think that this attack is directed at me. I am still Acting Director General because my appointment has to be confirmed in parliament. Several people are trying to get to this appointment. I have been in the department for many years and have come up to this position gradually. 

 

 

Do you think the Dehiwala Zoo meets the required standards? 

During the past years it was very congested here and I do agree that the space for the animals were definitely insufficient. These cages were built long ago. Our plan is to remove all of it and redo the whole place. During the war we didn’t get adequate funds to develop the Zoo, which is understandable because the country faced bigger issues and priority had to be given to the bigger picture. After the war when we did get sufficient funds we decided to expand this. Now we are at the transition stage. We cannot do everything overnight. 

Under this new plan we have opened a Safari Park which is still under construction and a new Zoo. Along with these two institutions which comes under the purview of this department,  we had a chance to send excess animals out of the Dehiwala Zoo to the Safari Park at Ridiyagama and new Zoo at Wagolla, close to the Pinnawala Elephant orphanage. Those days there were many of the same species in one enclosure but to prevent that and give them more space we have kept one animal of every species in each enclosure, and sent the others to the safari park. For example, we now have one Lion or one Leopard in each enclosure to give them as much space as possible and the best care from the available facilities at the moment. 

The entrance to the complex also has to be redone so that visitors can be absorbed into the premises. The way it is now, the people have to stand in queus outside the premises. It is in the BOQ preparation stage. The plan is to start the 1st phase of the entrance whithin the next couple of months. 

What is your opinion about animals living in a zoo? 

In a zoo there are five objectives. Education, conservation and breeding, animal welfare, research and animal exhibition. Globally, these objectives are the same. People need animal exhibition for leisure and family days. This is a requirement to the general public. Parents expect it, as a Zoo is one of the best places to be visited by children. Not only in Sri Lanka but all over the world it’s the same. 

The solution is not to get rid of the Zoo but to plan it properly so that we give the maximum benefit and maximum welfare facilities to the animals. We have to consider their basic requirements and other requirements such as enrichment, mating ratios, behavioural patterns etc. We have to provide everything and get it to the modern day standards. 

 

 

 

What about the allegation of animal trafficking? Can the Zoo sell animals to locals or foreigners? 

I have no idea why they are saying that. But I cannot accept that. We can’t sell animals as we are a government department, and we have not sold animals. We have a wanted list and a surplus list which we circulate around the world to other zoos. And they in return circulate their list. Whenever a consignment is ready, we have to get the necessary permits and send the animals. There is an exchange of animals but no selling. All this happens via a process of approval and security. So there is documented proof at every step. 

 

 

What future plans do you have for the Zoo? 

According to the master plan, we should have a world class Dehiwala Zoo by the end of 2016. My target is to get down foreigners, not only locals, as we need the foreign exchange. That way we can contribute to the government income. We have to develop this Zoo to international standards if we are to achieve this. The designing stage is complete but construction will take place only a section at a time. 

The cat cages used to be with iron bars with basic facilities but you would have seen that we have converted them. The new enclosures that are in the process of being constructed are totally different. We are going to open it to the public for Vesak. In this video they show the bar-less cages where the animals are in pits. This will also change soon. The plans are all drawn up for the new enclosures. But we can’t do everything at once. We have to do it in stages moving the animals around. Without analyzing or checking on anything they have made this destructive video. 

What about the other two institutions under your purview? Are they going to be developed further? 

The Zoo near the orphanage has only two enclosures so far and two more will be opened by Vesak. This will be for local animals only. For the rest of the project the land acquisition is in progress. After that process is over only, can we go ahead with the rest of the plan. 

There is a huge demand for the Safari park because people like to see free animals. The target is to finish this project by 2018, but I hope to expedite it by end of 2017. 

The whole designing process for the Safari Park is completed. It is a drive through concept.  Only three zones are open at the moment. The African Lions zone is there and part of the Asian elephants are in their zone. This year we plan to finish the other part of the Asian elephant zone, Bengal Tiger zone and Leopard zone. Meanwhile the rest of the Asian zone is also coming up. Until that is completed we will be putting all the animals together and making it a World zone. Once we finish the Asian zone, the African animals will remain there and the Asian animals will be removed and put in the Asian zone. In addition to that outside of the Safari will be the Australian zone. 

We will also be having a small animal Kingdom for the small animals who cannot survive in the Safari Park. They will be given spacious enclosures with all facilities.  The construction is already in progress. The first phase of that will be opened before the end of this year. 

The other section that will be set up is the Reptilian which has to be designed in the coming months. 

---

We asked a cross section of people what their take was on welfare of animals in the Dehiwala Zoo and here’s what they had to say: 

LT Statement 

Life Times Sri Lanka (LT) journalists filmed and photographed inside the National Zoological Gardens at Dehiwala from January 2016 to April 2016. The LT camera raw files contain embedded dates confirming those visits. Footage not produced by us is clearly stated as such and refers specifically to a wider context of animal abuse. We reiterate our call for a Criminal Investigation. LT will cooperate with any formal inquiry and share our footage and supporting documentary evidence. We do not make personal attacks and we seek a healthier future for the animals in state care. We believe in a better Sri Lanka than Dehiwala Zoo’s example. 

Suren Wijesekera, Colombo 

The Zoo has remained in a time warp since the 1980’s when Lyn De Alwis was head hunted by the Singaporeans. The unfortunate events of our recent past did not augur too well for zoos, wildlife and nature reserves and even recreational parks. It is heartening to note that a progressive, professional management team experienced in all aspects of zoo management is at last in place and carrying out the necessary refurbishment of the existing zoo and opening of new ones. Unfortunately the electronic media is being misused by vested interest with no experience in zoo management to derail this progress for their personal interest especially when funds are in place after all these years. zoos are a necessity for research, breeding and preservation of endangered species as well as for those of us who are not financially fortunate enough to go on safari to see animals in their natural habitats in our own country leave alone those in exotic foreign lands. Let’s support the new management in all its endeavours and save the Zoo and it’s animals for all walks of life and the future generations to cherish. 

Himadri Panabokke, Toronto, Canada 

Having visited many zoological parks and animal sanctuaries in many countries, I have to say that the Colombo Zoo has a wide range of species that you would not see in many other zoos. But unfortunately, the last time I visited the Dehiwala Zoo, I was quite disappointed at the state it was in. It was poorly maintained. From the look of the animals, it was obvious that they were not treated and looked after the way they should be. Most of the animals, in particular the mammals, were in tiny cages where they couldn't even move. Another thing that I noticed was that people dump trash/garbage all over the place and that really put me off. 

Hiran Molligoda, Colombo 

Having a zoo is a good idea for a small country like ours, as most of the animals that are in the Zoo are not in the wilds of Sri Lanka. But the Zoo should be expanded and developed with more animals and a breeding programme should be encouraged. It is educational for children and adults alike to know about the animals in the world and see it for themselves. Otherwise how would you see them alive unless you are rich enough to visit the African continent where most of these animals live? On special holidays and Sundays, huge crowds visit the Dehiwala Zoo. Children enjoy the  tricks performed by the animals by attending the animal shows. But at the same time animals must be treated and cared for as humanely as possible! 

Anuradha Wijesekara, Toronto, Canada 

Being an early childhood education teacher, I am a big fan of zoos. I feel it is necessary to keep some animals in captivity, as it’s not everyone who gets a chance to go around the world to see animals in their habitats. But the caring for the animals and treating the animals well is of utmost importance. The Toronto Koala bear and baby Hippo are a good example of breeding. zoos can prevent species going extinct. Animal shows are very entertaining to watch but the animals go through a lot of physical and mental abuse by trainers during this process. So I am totally against these shows. 

Nagesha Wickremasuriya, Melbourne, Australia 

I am not an expert on animal welfare but I am totally against any form of cruelty to animals. If animals are kept in a Zoo they have to be given the necessities and their welfare should be considered a top priority. 

Aneesha Guruge, Colombo 

If we have zoos, the animals need to be treated humanely. zoos should create interest and promote understanding about animals in the wild. We need to create more awareness about these matters. However I think zoos simply don’t have the resources to provide the natural habitat and space required by the animals. 

Anjali Gurusinghe, Colombo 

I love visiting zoos, but would love to see the animals in a more natural habitat. Our zoo at one time was considered best in Asia, so it's sad to see it in the present state. Even the animals have to be in a clean environment. You can see the difference when they're happy. As a kid I used to enjoy elephant dancing, dolphin and seal shows but now I do feel sorry for them. Mixed feelings about it as kids would still love it. 

Former member of Young Zoologist Association of Ananda College, Kotte 

I went to the Zoo at Dehiwala with some friends very recently. The Zoo looked the same as it was many years ago but I did see some new enclosures being constructed and was happy that the Zoo is being revamped after all these years. When I spoke to someone in the office they said there’s a lot of work in progress. As a former member of the Young Zoologist Association I am looking forward to the new look Zoo which will benefit our country in a great way. 

Tishan de Silva, Kandy 

Animals are meant to live in the large open spaces where there is no hindrance to their natural movement. Some of the enclosures are very small and do not do justice to these animals. There is a definite need for public dialogue in this regard. I think it's very cruel that animals are forced /trained to do acts. It is not part of their natural behaviour but rather a warped version inculcated by the humans for their own amusement. That makes us an animals in way! 

The zoo controversy continues with allegations and counter allegations, mainly after a video was circulated about the welfare of the animals in the zoo.  But the fact remains that the Dehiwala zoo can be FAR better where animal welfare is concerned. One of its biggest attractions remain one of the most controversial – the Elephant Dance. While many countries around the world has stopped this practice Dehiwela continues to have these performance,  perhaps looking more at the financial aspect than the welfare aspect of the animal. In general,  there is cruelty involved in training theses animals  and this is perhaps one attraction that needs to stop and authorities think of an alternative – perhaps a bigger and nicer play area for kids etc instead of relying on acts that demean such a noble creature. 

Animal activists have also commented that animal welfare should be priority. For instance while having one animal in a cage too may give them more space, it is a lonely life behind bars for these animals. The allegations of corruption and trafficking won’t go away in a hurry and thankfully an investigation to this is said to be underway. There is nothing great about seeing animals in cages and these types of zoos are generally an attraction to tourists or animal lovers in general. The zoo certainly needs change. An expert on Captive Animal Management says that there is room for change and it is a step by step process. She points out that the elephants at the zoo are in need of attention and  needs to be moved to Pinnawala or Ridiyagama and stronger guidelines and procedures put in place. 

---

Zoo Ends Animal Performance After Animals Asia Campaign 

Hangzhou Zoo has announced it will end animal performances – following a nationwide campaign by Animals Asia. After nearly two decades of continuous animal performances, Hangzhou Zoo announced that it would cease. The move brings state-run Hangzhou Zoo into line with a government directive banning animal performances. 

Source - www.animalsasia.org 

Campaign to End the Use of Animals in Animal Shows at the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari 

ACRES launched a campaign to end the use of wild animals in shows at the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. This was due to concerns that not only was animal welfare probably being compromised, but also that public safety could be at risk during the shows, following an incident in which a member of the public was injured by a Serval during a show at the Night Safari. They observed that watching animals, such as the Orang Utan, performing circus-style tricks was of no educational value, it was simply reinforcing the outdated idea that animals are for humans to use as tools for entertainment and that most of the acts that the Orang Utan was made to perform were far from natural. 

Why ACRES called for animal shows at the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari banned: 

Watching animals performing circus-style tricks teaches the audience, especially impressionable children, that animals are ours to be used for entertainment and humiliated at our will. In many cases they also give a totally false impression how animals behave naturally. 

Training methods may involve cruelty to the animals. 

Animal shows are not a form of enrichment if the animals are performing the same routine everyday. 

Using animals in shows poses a great risk to public. Animals in such close proximity to the audience could attack at any time. 
ACRES remains strongly against the use of all wild animals in shows. However, in an effort to reach an amicable solution with the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, ACRES went on to propose the following guidelines to the management of the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, if they would continue to use wild animals in animal shows. 

Enforce a policy of the display of only natural behaviours by the show animals. 

Ensure that the show animals live in naturalistic enclosures when they are not performing. 

Ensure that each animal performs not more than once every two days, allowing them to rest at least a day after every performance. (Performance is no longer enriching if it is performed on a daily basis at a specific time. It merely becomes a routine and clearly does not meet the guidelines on enrichment.) 

Use only training methods that do not involve the physical and mental abuse of the animals. 

Install barriers at the show areas which make it physically impossible for all show animals to come into contact with the public at all times. 

Source: www.acres.org.sg 

By Niro Waidyaratne 
Photographs by Kushan Pathiraja