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Zoos hardly a paradise for Birds of Paradise

Recent media reports on the rare and endangered Birds of Paradise has put the zoo fraternity in the spotlight again.

The species had caught the attention of Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) following publicity on the Bukit Takal zoo in Kemaman, Terengganu and the latest report on these birds being exhibited at Taman Lee Huat in Jitra.

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is disturbed to learn of the presence of more such birds acquired for display in bird parks and zoos.

Understanding the status of these birds which is highly endangered and totally protected in both Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, SAM is highly intrigued as to how these birds could easily have made their way into the country.

The bird keeper at Taman Lee Huat confessed that the birds were acquired from an Indonesian bird trader five years ago.

It can be easily concluded that these birds of paradise were smuggled out of their country of origin to supply the zoo trade since the countries of origin of these birds do not allow trade in them with Indonesia banning trade in 1990.

SAM would like to know whether the Wildlife Department is aware that the birds had been brought in by an Indonesian trader at that time and whether the birds were legally or illegally acquired by the present bird owner with the necessary import permits.

SAM has also expressed interest in knowing how the birds of paradise were acquired for the Bukit Takal zoo in a letter to the Wildlife Department sometime last week. We are still aawaiting their reply.

At the same time, SAM encourages the Wildlife Department to investigate all locations keeping Birds of Paradise to ensure that these birds are acquired in a legal manner.

Zoos, bird parks and avid collectors that continue to display illegally acquired wildlife are contributing to the decline of wild and endangered bird populations and this would surely tarnish Malaysia’s reputation.

The public should also play their role in not visiting zoos that are found with illegally acquired wildlife.

SAM would also urge the wildlife authorities to take serious action against the illegal trade in these Birds of Paradise before their flight into oblivion.

The writer is resident , Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM).

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