Bandung Zoo Faces Animal Feed Crisis as Funding Nears End

The Bandung Zoo, a beloved institution, is teetering on the brink of a crisis as its ability to feed its 700 animals hangs precariously in the balance. The critical juncture arrives on May 5, 2026, when the Ministry of Forestry's support for animal feed is slated to end. This isn't a new problem; the zoo has grappled with feeding costs since the pandemic halted ticket sales, its primary income source. Rochman Suryaman, Coordinator of the zoo's Transition Management, expressed deep uncertainty about the future, stating, "We don't know what will happen after the 5th of May." The stark reality is that approximately 80% of the feed must be purchased daily, a significant expense that has historically strained the zoo's budget. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Forestry and the Mayor of Bandung concludes on the same date. This agreement was put in place after internal conflicts led to the revocation of the zoo's management permit earlier this year, forcing its closure. While the Ministry has covered feeding costs and the city government has managed employee salaries during this interim period, the lack of a permanent management solution looms large. If no new manager is appointed by the deadline, the Ministry of Forestry is prepared to translocate the animals, prioritizing protected and endemic species. This potential relocation underscores the urgency of finding a sustainable solution to ensure the welfare of these animals and the future of the Bandung Zoo.

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We don't know what will happen after the 5th of May