Hello, Here is Part 3 of Bandung Zoo's update, where Rebecca addresses and answers some of your concerns and questions. Above is a screenshot of an elephant chained on her right front leg whilst waiting to give rides. This picture was taken yesterday in Bandung Zoo (Kebun Binatang Bandung) The video of elephant being rode can be seen in Part 2 of update. Thank you for caring about the animals and for your continue support. Lets keep the pressure on ~P Holmes Cut and paste from Rebecca's gfm @@@ Update 49 @@@ Posted by Rebecca A. Rodriguez 6 mins ago Share Bandung Zoo Update Part III Questions and Answers Over the course of this campaign, I have responded to a collection of questions. I thought all of you might like to hear some of the questions and answers. Q: Why can’t this zoo be shut down? Why can’t the animals be moved to a reputable sanctuary? A: Closing down a zoo anywhere takes cooperation and planning. The first challenge here is that the owners of the zoo do not want to give up owning a zoo and animals. So closing down Bandung Zoo would take government intervention. The next and most important challenge would be determining where the animals would go. There are numerous animals at Bandung Zoo and many are considered endangered or at-risk species. Transferring them to other zoos is a bad option because most of the other zoos in Indonesia are as bad or worse. There are many wonderful sanctuaries in Indonesia but they have limited space and resources. And transferring them to a reputable sanctuary out of the country would require the permission of the government that has been turning a blind-eye to the situation for years. Note: Prior to visiting Indonesia in June 2017, I was able to secure commitments from several reputable sanctuaries in the United States, willing to take bears, large cats or primates. Q: Why isn’t this illegal? A: At this time, zoo, safari parks, animal performance shows, markets, etc… are not regulated. There are basic animal cruelty, poaching and trafficking laws in place but there is almost ZERO enforcement. In addition, the corruption surrounding the animal trade and exploitation is rampant and stretches into the government. Q: Why won’t the government intervene? A: I think it comes down to greed, corruption and poverty. I believe there is a lot of money changing hands for the exotic and endangered animals and for officials to look the other way. And because the government cannot or will not provide more opportunities for the people, many of them capture the animals and sell them in the markets. And larger commodities like palm oil and timber are driving habitat destruction at an alarming rate, which just send the animals directly into the hands of people who view them as a way to make a buck. Q: Why aren’t the international NGOs involved? A: I am in the process of finding out more about the efforts of the international organizations. I suspect that their presence is limited by the Indonesian government. It’s important to note that the agenda of many international NGOs is to nurture and support positive change through cooperation. But when the government and/or corruption blocks cooperation and positive change, then pressure is needed. And many NGOs will not engage in an aggressive pressure campaign. More on this soon. Q: Is it fair to expect a zoo in a developing country to meet the standards of a zoo in a developed country? A: In my opinion, yes. Any establishment that holds animals in captivity should be held to the highest standards not matter where they are in the world. They should provide responsible care, proper enrichment, nutritious food and an exceptional habitat. If an establishment cannot provide this, then they should not have animals. Q: What can we do? A: When it comes to helping the animals at Bandung Zoo, we need to keep checking on the animals and documenting their care. We need to keep them in the spotlight and they will either improve or they will become weary of the ridicule and close. As for the other animals of Indonesia, they are suffering due to corruption and greed, tolerated by the government. So the short answer is that we must aggressively pressure the Indonesian government to STOP turning a blind-eye and STOP addressing the gross exploitation of animals. I have created a roadmap of actions that I intend to take to hammer away at this problem. I will bring aggressive pressure that others are not able to bring. This will hopefully inspire the government to work with the animal groups that have been extending olive branches for years. Indonesia is home to 17% of the world’s wildlife, including numerous endangered and fragile species, and they are behaving like hoarders. I look through footage captured by my team and my in-country investigators and I am sickened by the torture and sadness. My soul has been impacted by Indonesia and I am in this till the end. Film is a powerful medium for change and that is a tool that I have in my toolbox. Today, I am asking for your continued commitment to help the animals of Indonesia. No matter where you are, you can help by simply supporting my actions as they come. We are not going to play nice but everything we do will be done professionally, grounded in honesty and in the interest of the animals in Indonesia. I may ask for a signature on a petition, for you to share a video or like a page. I may ask for a financial contribution or for you to support a specific organization or effort. Do what you can, when you can and we can turn the tide. Margaret Mead, a cultural anthropologist said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." I hope I can count on you. First action coming within the next week. Rebecca www.gofundme.com/sunbearsindonesia