Bandung Zoo Vaccinates Hundreds of Birds Amidst Unpredictable Weather
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Bandung Zoo's new management has vaccinated approximately 200 avian species against unpredictable weather conditions.
- The zoo, managed by Faunaland for the next 26 years, is undergoing permit processes and aims to retain existing staff.
- Faunaland won the management bid after the zoo's previous permit was revoked due to internal conflicts.
Bandung Zoo's new management has initiated a mass vaccination for around 200 avian species, a measure taken in response to the volatile weather patterns experienced during the dry season. "The weather is unpredictable, sometimes scorching hot, while at other times the temperature drops to 17 degrees Celsius," explained Rohman Suryaman, the zoo's animal curator.
Avian species constitute about one-third of the zoo's approximately 700 resident animals, including a variety of parrots, eagles, and waterfowl. The Newcastle disease vaccine, administered through injection or drinking water, is given annually to prevent illness. The vaccination drive, which included all avian keepers and veterinarians, was completed in a single day last Thursday, with additional disinfection of cages. "So far, no animals have died," Rohman confirmed.
The weather is unpredictable, sometimes scorching hot, while at other times the temperature drops to 17 degrees Celsius.
The zoo has been under new management since Faunaland won a bid on June 10, 2026, following a year-long closure due to internal conflicts and the revocation of its conservation institution permit by the Ministry of Forestry on February 3, 2026. Faunaland will manage the zoo for 26 years and is obligated to pay an annual contribution of Rp4.3 billion to the Bandung City Government.
Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan indicated that Faunaland has about a year to secure necessary permits, including new conservation permits and environmental impact analysis documents. The management is also required to retain existing human resources, maintain the zoo's distinctive characteristics, and implement animal release programs, such as reintroducing gibbons and surilis into the South Bandung region.
So far, no animals have died.
Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.