Surabaya Zoo

Surabaya Zoo, known in Indonesian as Kebun Binatang Surabaya (KBS) and sometimes abbreviated as KBS or Bonbin, is a zoological park situated in the city of Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. Established on August 31, 1916, as Soerabaiasche Planten-en Dierentuin, it was initially conceived by journalist H. F. K. Kommer, who had a passion for collecting animals.

History and Development

The zoo's early history involved several relocations. It was first established in Kaliondo in 1916, moving to Groedo Road in 1917 and then to a new location in the Darmo area in 1920. This Darmo site was on land measuring 30,500 m² belonging to the Oost-Java Stoomtram Maatschappij (East Java steam tramway company). The zoo faced financial difficulties early on, with a plan for its disestablishment in 1922 that was ultimately not agreed upon by the Surabaya municipality. A new association was formed for the zoo in 1923, and its financial stability was later supported by the mayor of Surabaya and the People's Representative Council, leading to the purchase of a new, larger plot of land in 1927.

From 1939 onwards, the zoo underwent significant expansion, reaching its current size of 15 hectares (37 acres). The breeding facility at Surabaya Zoo was renovated between August and November 1987. This renovation included 29 aviaries dedicated to endangered Bali starlings, a species endemic to western Bali. The captive population of Bali starlings was bolstered by birds donated from zoos and private collections in the United States and the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust. The success of this breeding program was highlighted by the release of 40 starlings into the wild at West Bali National Park in June 2011.

Controversies and Animal Welfare Concerns

Surabaya Zoo has been the subject of considerable controversy regarding its animal welfare standards. Activist groups, such as the Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN), alongside interim zoo administrators, have raised complaints about the treatment of animals. The situation became so dire that The Jakarta Post referred to the facility as the 'Surabaya Zoo of Death' in 2010. In August 2010, the Forestry Ministry revoked the zoo's license following a series of animal deaths, including a rare Sumatran tiger, an African lion, a wallaby, a Komodo dragon, a babirusa, a Bawean deer, and a crocodile.

Investigations into these deaths attributed most of them to negligent keepers. The Temporary Management Team transferred 378 animals to six conservation organizations; however, some of these animals were in poor condition and subsequently died. Autopsies revealed plastic and wood inside deceased animals. The death of Melani, a Sumatran tiger, drew particular outrage due to her suffering from severe digestive disorders prior to rescue. Another incident occurred on March 2, 2012, when a giraffe died after ingesting plastic debris left by visitors.

By January 28, 2014, the zoo reported a collection of 3,459 animals from 197 species, but noted that 81 animals were sick or disabled, with 44 in severe condition. An online petition calling for the zoo's closure due to ongoing mistreatment of animals garnered over 885,000 signatures before closing in late 2016.

Notable Exhibits and Collections

As of March 2018, Surabaya Zoo housed a notable population of 76 Komodo dragons, including a dozen eggs that had recently been laid and 13 dragons under a year old. To address potential overpopulation, authorities planned to construct a dedicated dragon park in the Kenjeran coastal area, viewing it as a more cost-effective solution than attempting wild releases.

Operational Status

While the zoo has faced significant challenges and criticism, it continues to operate and house a diverse range of species. Information regarding ongoing conservation efforts and current animal welfare conditions requires up-to-date verification from official sources.