STREET BLOODSHED
Apinya Wipatayotin on how Dusit Zoo is dealing with its creatures' discomforts
The temporary relocation of a pair of four-year-old anteaters from Bangkok's Dusit Zoo to Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri province after last Tuesday's violence has sparked public concern over the welfare of animals in the zoo, which is opposite the parliament.
But the zookeepers say they were prepared for such events because the Oct 7 clash between the police and supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy was not the first incidence of unrest near the zoo.
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| A zoo worker handfeeds a three-year-old female giant anteater which was moved from Dusit Zoo to Khao Kheow Zoo in Chon Buri, along with its mate, out of concern they may be stressed out by the street protests. PATTANAPONG HIRUNARD |
Dusit Zoo, better known as Khao Din, has been closely associated over the years with political protests and grassroots demonstrations at the parliament and the nearby Royal Plaza.
Wisid Wichasilpa, deputy director-general of the Zoological Park Organisation, said in the Oct 14, 1973 violent crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators, a tear gas grenade used during the crowd control operation fell inside the home of Mae Mali, the zoo's superstar hippopotamus.
Mae Mali was pregnant and was expected to deliver her baby that day.
"We quickly showered her with clean water to help her relax. Fortunately, she did not panic and successfully delivered her offspring," said the veterinarian.
The zoo held a naming competition and the winner was Veerachon (hero) as a reminder of the bloody clash. The 35-year-old Veerachon now lives in Chiang Mai Zoo.
Mr Wisid was working at the zoo during each of the three major uprisings, on Oct 14, 1973, Oct 6, 1976 and Black May 1992.
He said last Tuesday's clash between the police and the PAD supporters reminded him of the Oct 6 clashes, when tear gas was used to disperse the demonstrators, but impacts on the zoo's animals were minor.
"The most vulnerable animals are elephants and anteaters, because their houses are located near the parliament," said Mr Wisid.
"We decided to move the anteaters to the Khao Kheow Open zoo on Oct 8, a day after the clash, because they are very sensitive to loud noise."
The anteaters came from the United States about a year ago. They will stay in Chon Buri for around three months.
The elephants appeared not to be disturbed or frightened by the loud noises, he said, although they suffered eye irritation from tear gas.
"But they are doing fine now," said Mr Wisid.
Zookeepers and veterinarians had been instructed to closely monitor the animals for any unusual symptoms.
One of the zoo's caretakers said most of the animals were accustomed to loud noises and crowds, possibly because a number of national celebrations are held in nearby areas and often feature fireworks and huge crowds.
"For us, what is worrying most is not the animal's physical and mental health, but a sharp drop in visitors at our zoo," said a member of staff who did not wish to be identified.
Mr Wisid said the number of zoo visitors had dropped by 30% since the Oct 7 incident.
"I received many calls from the people, asking whether the zoo is still open. I told them we have no plan to close. We were open on Oct 7 when the violence erupted," he said.
Dusit Zoo houses over 1,500 animals and has about 2.5 million visitors each year.
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