AsiaOne 20 Jun 08;
Public cries foul and says it runs counter with zoo's goal to protect wildlife. Animal society received five complaint letters so far. -AsiaOne
Two orangutans that were brought for a ride in the Singapore Flyer by the Singapore Zoo last Thursday became an exercise in how not to create a public relations disaster.
In a bid to raise public awareness for their well-being, the orangutans became the centre of attention for the wrong reasons when they panicked while on board a cabin in the Flyer.
The two primates suffered from a panic attack, and even huddled in a corner during the ride.
The Zoo was criticised by the public after 12-year-old Chomel and three-year-old Merlin's experience was broadcast on television, who were clearly distressed.
Mr Shen, a 22 year-old undergraduate, told Shin Min Daily News: "The orangutans simply do not belong in steel and concrete structures, and forcing them to do this for the cause of wildlife welfare is too unnatural."
Netizen lankouli also pointed out" "Isn't the Zoo supposed to do their best and ensure a habitat for animals to be as close to nature? Ironically, the zoo is bringing the orangutans out to the city."
The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) also received five complaint letters.
ACRES has already persuaded the public to continue to voice their concerns, in the hope of arousing more attention from the public. It will also write to the Zoo, and set up discussions on the matter.
Executive director for ACRES, Mr Louis Ng was quoted by Shin Min: "Although the orangutans are used to a life high up in the trees, the Singapore Flyer's cabin is an unnatural surrounding for them. It stresses them.
"Running such a campaign is contradictory to the Zoo's aim, and may lead the public to believe they can do what they wilfully manipulate animals."
But the Zoo has defended its action, saying that the primates have been brought to the Singapore Flyer a nyumber of times for "rehearsals" where they appeared to be calm and comfortable in the cabin.
A spokesman for the Zoo had said that the orangutans were curious when they had their first look at the cabin, but were relaxed and calm afterwards.
Merlin even began eating.
The orangutans were also under the constant supervision of their keepers who were very familiar with their charges.
The spokesman also added that the Zoo has not received any complaints from the public so far.
When reporters visited the two primates yesterday morning, they seemed to be playing very happily.
To date, the zoo has yet to receive any complaint letters.
While interviewing, the reporter noticed that the Orang Utans were frolicking and having fun.
Headline: "These Orang Utans are being tortured!" - News caster Zhang Hai Jie
Channel 8, news caster Zhang Hai Jie mentioned in her blog that she was displeased with this move by the zoo.
When she found out about this campaign, she disapproved it from the start.
"Pardon my ignorance, but I have no idea what is the point in this.
"It doesn't matter what they say, the message it is trying to convey or the way they are conveying it... What matters is getting attention?"
She also said that "Since I was not on site, I would not know if the Orang Utans really panicked in fear. I don't have children as well, so I would not know if my kids would get nightmares after watching TV."
At the end of her entry, she commented: "Who are you trying to scare? The Orang Utans? Or me?"
