AWNN conducts Zoo Check in Central Zoo, Kathmandu

Kathmandu, August 2, 2010 - AWNN presently conducts a survey of the Central Zoo in Nepal. The outcomes have shocked the researchers. "We knew the zoo had problems but we did not expect the outcomes to be this bad," says Mahesh Sharma.

The inner city Central Zoo was build as a private zoo by late Prime Minister Juddha Shumsher in 1932. Some of the enclosures date back to this time. "The bear enclosures have been out of date since at least a century. They are completely stressed out by their living conditions and overwhelming number of visitors. The authorities must take immediate action to save the bears," says Sharma.

According to the researchers other species such as rhesus monkeys, small mammals such as wild cat, jackal and clouded leopard and different bird species are extremely stressed and show abnormal behaviour due to inhumane conditions.

AWNN uses check sheets developed by WSPA and ACRES. Many enclosures fail automatically because the enclosures are totally barren, prevent normal movement and/or consist of cement flooring only.

The zoo houses some 780 species including the critically endangers white-rumped vulture and Chinese alligator and six endangered species: Asian elephant, royal bengal tiger, one horned rhino, wild buffalo, gharial and yellow headed turtle.

In the absence of a wildlife rehabilitation center or orphanage, the zoo, despite severe space constraints, has been forced to accept rescued wildlife from across the country, including large mammals.

In 2009 the zoo witnessed an alarming death rate. 191 animals died, including Himalayan Black Bear and Sloth Bears. The zoo each year greets over 1 million visitors, the majority of them school children.

According to AWNN the only solution to the zoo's many problems is to create a new zoo outside the city. The present zoo can be transformed into an educational park with farm animals. The government announced the establishment of an 'international standard zoo' in 2008 but little progress has been made.

The Zoo Check is coordinated by researcher Mahesh Sharma and AWNN General Secretary Lucia de Vries. The final report will be presented this Fall. For more information email us at awnnepal@gmail.com

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AWNN saddened by mass sacrifice on Buddha's birthday

Kathmandu, May 27, 2010 - AWNN is deeply saddened by the fact that despite its protests, countless animals were sacrificed today on Buddha Jyanti

Today the Rana clan alone during its annual Kul Puja sacrificed some 1000 goats at its Thapathali temple.

The Rana clan was one of the groups that received a letter from AWNN, requesting its members not to kill animals on Buddha's birthday. In a press release the network requested temples and clans to avoid blood sacrifices, claiming that "alternative sacrifice rituals will be welcomed by Buddhists and Hindus who oppose animal sacrifice." Buddha's birthday is widely celebrated in Nepal, by Hindus and Buddhists alike.

A day before the festival, members of AWNN put up a banner at the main gate of the Rana temple, saying "Let's End Animal Sacrifice and Let's Promote Vegetarian Offering Instead".

Recalls campaign coordinator Mahesh Sharma: "Today when we entered the temple we were shocked to witness the killings of some 800-1000 goats. It is unbelievable to see so many innocent creatures being killed in the name of culture and worship. We returned home with a heavy heart."

Sharma was encouraged by the fact that every participant noticed the banner: "Those who sacrificed animals today at least know that there are many people within their own community who are against this tradition. I hope they will realize in time how inappropriate blood sacrifices are and that next time they will choose non violence offerings."

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Winners competition announced

A jury consisting of Anustha Shrestha (radio RJ), Mahesh Sharma (Roots & Shoots representative) and Prerana Marasini (journalist) today announced the winners of the AWNN article writing competition announced on World Animal Day. The participants were asked to submit a write up with the motto 'Stop Animal Cruelty'.

The first prize goes to Bishwa Poudel. The jury describes his article as 'highly inspiring, broad-minded and providing an introduction to some of the world's varied forms of animal cruelty'. Jury member Anustha: 'Bishwa talks about the cruelty faced by animals in multiple sectors. He explains how animals are being sacrificed in the name of culture, using the examples of Dasain and Gadhima festivals, He shows how animals are being ill treated in the name of sports and entertainment all over the world. Definitely deserves the first prize.'

The second prize is for Sambinda Rajbhandari Shrestha. The jury says her story about the rehabilitation of an injured pigeon is 'heartfelt, original and well written'. Jury member Anustha: 'The bonding between the bird and the author is beautifully portrayed. The writer has also raised the issue of the killing of thousands of birds due to bird flu. The story can easily be turned into a children's story.'

The third prize goes to Govinda Subedi. The jury appreciated the story on animal sacrifice as it encourages the readers to think of the animals who will be killed in the name of god.

The consolation prize goes to Roshan Shestha. Roshan wrote a poem instead of an article. However the jury felt the young participant deserves encouragement for writing a heartfelt poem about animal suffering.

The deadline for Poster and Photo competition have been extended with two months, as there were insufficient contributions.

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