Jonathan Wootliff | The Jakarta Post
With most of the world’s threatened mammals are found in Asia, many in Indonesia, it was apposite that the United Nations chose Bali for its recent meeting of over one hundred of the world’s environment ministers to mark this International Year of Biodiversity.
But while the high-powered debates took place on how to save the world’s endangered species, a tiny animal sanctuary in Java struggled to cope with the arrival of a family of Sumatran tigers, rescued from perils of the unscrupulous animal trade.
Confiscated by the Indonesian government from a private house in Jakarta, where they had been caged since 2003, a mother with her three rather large cubs were delivered to the pitifully under-funded Animal Sanctuary Trust Indonesia (ASTI) which is located in modest facilities in Gadog, near Bogor in West Java.
ASTI was established in 2008 to address the problem of displaced wild animals, caused by the rapid disappearance of this country’s tropical rainforests.
As if destruction of their habitats is not enough, many animals are forced to endure illegal poaching and trafficking.
There are a number of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers across Indonesia designed to accommodate displaced animals, but their capacity fall far below what is required, with the volume of wildlife in need significantly outstretching the space available for their rehabilitation.
ASTI adopted the animals that a member of a chain of rescue centers — which had its financial support withdrawn from the Gibbon Foundation — was initially looking after. The chain was expecting funding from the Indonesian government to help cover operational costs. When the funding failed to come through, the rescue centers gradually folded one after another.
The troubles facing the Gadog facility came to the attention of Annette Pipe, a dedicated animal lover, who saved the facility from almost certain closure.
Working in collaboration with the West Java Natural Resources Conservation Department, ASTI provides refuge for animals confiscated from markets, private homes or businesses, which are kept illegally as pets or for entertainment purposes.
ASTI also responds to emergencies, rescuing animals in danger, like those commonly caught in traps set for deer or wild pigs. Most are rehabilitated for release whenever possible. But for those unable to fend for themselves in the wild, ASTI provides long-term and sometimes indefinite care.
In spite of a chronic need for financial support, Pipe has succeeded in performing many miracles.
When she and her team took over, the center was already home to a range of species including gibbons, siamangs, monkeys, leopard cats, crocodiles, cassowary birds and several other types of birds.
While limited by its one-hectare of land and the small size of the existing animal cages, ASTI has nevertheless made remarkable progress In collaboration with International Animal Rescue, a Javan leopard found trapped in a deer snare was rescued and taken to the ASTI site for medical attention and rehabilitation. Named Aceng, the leopard recovered well from his injuries. Last year, he was successfully released at the same location from which he had been rescued ten months earlier.
In spite of space limitations, ASTI managed to build tall enclosures for two siamangs, Desy and Gimin. A corridor was built between the two enclosures to enable the two animals to socialize.
Diligent care has effected a dramatic improvement in the condition of a female Javan gibbon surrendered to ASTI early last year. Called Gelagah, the gibbon had been restrained around her hips by a rusty chain for 12 years. She was emaciated, her fur and skin were in very poor condition, and her limbs virtually hairless and with rough reddened skin. But thanks to a good diet of fruits and leaves, this gibbon gained weight and now has a healthy skin and thick fur.
It is hoped Gelagah will be able to be moved to the Javan Gibbon Center and paired with a male Javan gibbon so she can eventually be released into the wild.
There is never a quiet moment for Annette and her small team, and right now the main focus of their attention is caring for the survival of their new single-parent family of tigers.
It is estimated that only about 400 of the magnificent Sumatran Tigers remain in the wild. If they are allowed to disappear completely, their loss to Indonesia and to the planet will be immense.
ASTI is doing its best to care for the four newcomers and is planning to build a new, large enclosure to enable the necessary long-term care of these majestic animals. Properly looked after, it is possible these creatures will eventually be able to return to the wild.
The new enclosure for the tiger family will cost close to Rp 100 million, and their grocery bills are over Rp 9 million a month.
That’s why ASTI is seeking private donations not only to help save these tigers, but the myriad of animals it rescues from certain death.
Indonesia is one of the richest nations when it comes to biodiversity. It is home to 12 percent of the world’s mammals, 16 percent of the world’s reptiles and 17 percent of the world’s birds.
But this biodiversity is being compromised and many species are becoming endangered.
The UN meetings held during the International Year of Biodiversity will surely help to raise awareness of the plight of Indonesia’s wildlife.
Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006, the International Year of Biodiversity is a clear signal that the ecological state of the planet is an intergovernmental priority.
But try telling that to Pipe as she struggles to maintain the vital work of her animal rescue center, without any financial support from government.
Jonathan Wootliff leads the Corporate Accountability practice at the consulting firm, Reputation Partners. He specializes in sustainable development and in building of productive relationships between companies and NGOs. He can be contacted at jonathan@reputationpartners.com and can be followed on Twitter.
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