THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 recommended the hiring of specialists that will take care of the animals in the Cebu City Zoo in Barangay Kalunasan.
Ariel Rica, head of DENR 7’s Enforcement Division, said that he made the recommendation during a meeting with Cebu City Government officials.
He said the recommendations include the hiring of one biologist and animal handlers who are skilled in taking care of animals.
Rica said that he observed that some of the animals in the zoo, particularly birds, have been affected by prolonged captivity. He said some birds can no longer fly.
Undocumented
During the Kapihan sa PIA (Philippine Information Agency) yesterday, Rica said that of the 55 animals at the zoo, there are five animals that are considered undocumented.
He said that these undocumented animals include a black ape, a monitor lizard, a veiled chameleon, a Philippine brown deer and a fruit bat.
Rica said that during the joint inventory with the Cebu City Government, they discovered that the five undocumented animals were brought to the zoo without proper papers.
But City officials claimed that the owners of the animals can no longer be contacted.
Rica advised the City Government to secure documents for these animals.
At present, the Cebu City Zoo has seven zookeepers, including one veterinarian.
Rica pointed out that there is a need to hire a biologist to ensure the health and safety of the animals.
Aside from the five undocumented animals, there are 24 birds, 14 mammals and 17 reptiles at the zoo.
The inspection team from DENR also found mummified animals being kept at the zoo.
