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 "The bear enclosures have been out of date since at least a century.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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Campaigners call for repatriation of dancing bear

Kathmandu – March 25, 2010 - Roots and Shoots Nepal and Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN) call for the repatriation of Rubina, a rescued dancing bear, back to India. According to the campaigners Nepal at the moment cannot offer the specialized care rescued dancing bears need while India has four bear rehabilitation sanctuaries.

Cites rules that confiscated animals that are the victim of illegal trade must be returned to their country of origin,” says CITES expert Ravi Aryal. Roots and Shoots Nepal and AWNN argue that Nepal should opt for cross-border cooperation and return rescued dancing bears to India. “India features some of the best Bear Rehabilitation Centers in the world, stretching 160 acres with all the facilities and habitat settings the rescued animals need,” argues Manoj Gautam, representative of Roots and Shoots.

According to Gautam rescued dancing bears need specialized care as they normally suffer from malnutrition, dehydration, damaged feet, gastro-intestinal disorders and worm infestations. “Nepal at present cannot offer such care,” according to Gautam.

Wildlife SOS, an Indian organization active in wildlife rehabilitation, has expressed a willingness to rehabilitate the bear.

On 16^th March, 2010, Roots & Shoots Nepal with the support of Wildlife SOS India rescued Rubina, a female adult sloth bear at Arunkhola, Nawalparasi. While her owners were arrested, the bear was handed over to Warden of Chitwan National Park. Rubina is kept at the National Park office until her fate is decided upon.

The facility where Rubina is currently being held is substandard. The bear enclosure at the only alternative location, the Kathmandu Zoo, fails any international standard. As a result, three out of four zoo bears have died in the near past. “If Rubina is not repatriated to India we fear for her life,” says Gautam.

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