SINGAPORE : The prevailing haze is exacting a huge cost not only
to human health, but also to nature.
The Singapore Zoo, which supports conservation projects in
Indonesia, raised concerns on Tuesday that the haze is threatening
the wildlife in Kalimantan.
So far, animals in Singapore have been spared from haze-related
respiratory problems.
Unlike their kind in Indonesia, the orang utans at the Singapore
Zoo could swing freely in relatively clear skies.
But zoo keepers have been keeping a close eye on the animals under
their charge.
"The haze is not affecting the animals here, so far. Our job scope
includes observing the birds and we have vets here in case we
detect visible problems affecting the animals. We observe their
breathing and look for signs such as heavy breathing or any unusual
behaviour," explains Julius Ang, who is an animal show presenter at
Singapore Zoo.
So far, none of the 3,000 animals there had to be treated for eye
infection or other haze-related respiratory illnesses.
Visitors are also thankful that the zoo did not have to cancel any
animal shows due to the haze.
"Haze or no haze, I'm not going to miss that. Nope! We're only here
for three days and I really want to see Singapore properly. But I
feel sorry for (Singaporeans) having to put up with the haze. But
for 3 days, I can tolerate that," says Bob Dragvik, a tourist from
Canada.
"I'll still go out if the PSI is at 100. If it goes up to 150, then
I'll stay indoors," says one Singaporean, who is at the zoo with
his wife and three children.
Despite the haze, the zoo says the number of visitors has not been
affected.
The zoo adds that because it's located within the central catchment
area, the air quality there is generally better.
"I came from Hong Kong and it was terrible there. You could taste
the pollution. But not here; it's perfect in Singapore," says
Canadian tourist Mark Alexander.
But conservationists have more cross-boundary worries.
"The animals will get eye infection if it gets closer to the
hazardous PSI level. So that's our biggest concern. The burning of
the forests in Kalimantan will affect the wildlife, especially the
endangered wildlife in Kalimantan. So we really hope that everyone
can put some thoughts together on how to stop the haze as a
team..., beyond political boundaries," says Fanny Lai, executive
director of Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
Since last year, the Singapore Zoo has been providing veterinary
support to an orang utan rehabilitation centre in Central
Kalimantan.
Together with other conservation groups, the zoo strives to
preserve and protect the last of the world's fast-disappearing
biodiversity. - CNA /ls
Source:
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/061018/5/singapore235987.html
Poor animals.
