UPDATE (Feb 22, 2013)
The local police have arrested a 65-year-old businessman from Kulai, Johor to facilitate the investigation into the poisoning death of a Malayan Sun Bear and Arabian Stallion at the Malacca Zoo on Sunday. The man was strongly believe to have committed the crime out of a grudge against the new managed of the zoo as over 40 species of animals were seized from the suspect’s private zoo, that are now currently places at the Malacca Zoo. (Source)
The suspect has admitted to poisoning the animals, and if he is indeed charged and proven guilty, he should serve as a deterrent against animal cruelty.
There are currently notices up at the Malacca Zoo warning visors not to feed the animals.
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The hunt is on for the killers of a 14-year-old female Malaysan Sun Bear and an Arabian stallion at the Malacca Zoo. Zoo keepers were alerted by visitors when they say a male Sun Bear lying protectively over the still body of its partner at about 5pm on Sunday.
“The keepers rushed to the site and found the animal lifeless,” said zoo veterinarian, Dr Zubaidah Kamarudin. A post-mortem revealed that the bear had eaten a banana laces with toxin.
The Sun Bear was presented to the Malacca Zoo in 2000 after it was caught in the wilds of Johor. The 17-year-old horse, Basket was found dead by groomer, P. Lohan, but an autopsy has yet to be performed. Dr Zubaidah added that she’s yet to identify the type of poison used but a police report has already been lodged.
She also mentioned that poison-laced oranges, bananas and sugar canes were found in the enclosures of a chimpanzee and two orang utans, who refused to eat them due to its pungent smell. The feed has been sent to the Chemistry Department.
Sources say that the culprits could be two former zoo workers who were seen at the elephants’ enclosure on recently trying to feed the animals. “They ran off carrying a package when ex-colleagues spotted them,” sources say. They also believe the two were linked to private zoo operators.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam has offered an RM10,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to the arrest of the culprits. He also urged the zoo management to install CCTV’s immediately. (Source)
It appears that there are people willing to take the lives of these innocent animals for a hidden agenda. We find it really heart-breaking to hear this, and we really do hope that the culprits get punishment they deserve!
