THE 238 animals at the Cebu City Zoo have no one to feed them.
There used to be 28 personnel who took care of that, but their contracts were not renewed, said Pilar Romero in a phone interview. (Romero is the facility’s officer-in-charge.)
“They were trained not only here, but abroad. Two were licensed animal welfare trainers and four were protection officers,” she said.
The 28 personnel’s contracts ended last Aug. 31.
The zoo currently has four working staff members, including Romero. The other three are former Department of Social Welfare and Services assistant head Lucia Mahusay, a former market officer and a newly hired personnel.
“Emotionally distressed”
They’ve taken over the feeding chore, but Romero said the animals seem a little “hesitant” towards them.
“They’ll only eat when they can no longer bear the hunger. Just like humans, they’re emotionally distressed,” she said.
To alleviate the situation, Romero tapped the services of two former volunteers, who are trained in animal care techniques.
However, they’re more focused on office work during their time in the zoo.
“They can only feed certain animals because there are cages whose animals are not accustomed to them (volunteers),” she said.
For the past three months since assuming office last July 28, Romero said a kalaw (hornbill) and another bird have died. The latter was receiving treatment in the facility after being shot.
No plans
One of the snakes that “offered massage services” reportedly died as well.
As for the other animals, Romero said that they’re not sickly. “But they’re lonely,” she said.
Despite this, Romero said she does not want the City to shut down the facility.
“What about the animals? That’s their home,” she said.
She plans to meet with former councilor Jun Pe to discuss the matter. She also plans to bring it up with Mayor Tomas Osmeña.
However, the mayor, when sought for comment, said he has no plans for the facility and the animals, as of the moment.
