Bali Zoo has been recognized by the Indonesian government as the best conservation institution in the country for 2017.
The award was given to the Bali conservation park by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry last Thursday in East Java’s Baluran National Park by Darmin Nasution, coordinating minister for Economic Affairs and Siti Nurbaya Bakar, minister of Environment and Forestry Indonesia.
While Indonesia is home to some of the most biological diversity on the planet, the country also leads the way with some of the most endangered species.
Operating in Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali Zoo’s motto of “Love. Conserve. Share.” seems to be what earned it such a major nod from the government.
Active participation in wildlife conservation apparently set the Bali Zoo apart from other conservation institutions in Indonesia this year, namely the successful breeding and routine release of various endangered species.
Some of the species successfully bred include the silvery gibbon, Bali myna, binturong (bearcat), and bengal tiger.
As for releases made by Bali Zoo, species include hedgehogs, turtles, and deer. The latter were released in West Bali National Park’s picturesque Menjangan Island, which actually gets its name from ‘deer’ because of its local population.
“Bali Zoo is very grateful to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia for the award given, the award we are honored is a pride and a challenge for us to continue providing the best for the conservation of animals,” said Agung Santosa, Bali Zoo representative director of Legal and General Affairs.