Zoo proposal: Setting the record straight

To set the record straight, I am not an Englishman. In fact, I have been a Maltese citizen for almost 20 years and first arrived in Malta in 1976. I am therefore fully aware of the Maltese animal protection and social activist organisations and the sterling work they do towards meeting their objectives.

In this instance, however, Michael Pearson was hasty in his comments. He should have first made the necessary checking before levelling accusations at me. It is not in my nature to make accusations and Mr Pearson's response will certainly not lead me into a negative direction towards him personally and the organisations he represents. Nor would it deter me from keeping to my own objectives. I do, however, appreciate objective criticism rather than what appears to be a personal attack from a gentleman I have never met.

I do wonder how many objections to the project will be registered after his call for views to MPs, Mepa and the media. Perhaps his call for views may bring about a positive response towards the project.

I fully agree that wildlife belongs to its natural habitat. Unfortunately, though, its natural environment is being destroyed by the ongoing demand for natural resources.

The demand for agricultural land and timber is playing a negative role in killing off many animal species. This will not stop due to the ever increasing human population, not forgetting the constant poaching that contributes highly to the decrease of animal numbers.

I, for one, welcomed the international ban on ivory imports. This was an excellent effort in the bid to protect the animal in its natural habitat and elephant numbers are now slowly increasing although they are still in danger. This took a great deal of time and international cooperation. The tiger will not be so lucky. Some 100 years ago the tiger population stood at 100,000 in the wild in Asia; today it is estimated at 300 animals. The tiger population dropped so sharply because of a natural habitat loss and, also, because of the poaching that had gone on for fur and bone. It is said that a tiger is snared and killed with a shot to the head every 24 hours.

Again, a century ago there were some 50 species of lemur in the wild. Only 30 remain today.

Apes are also at risk.

Captive breeding plays an important role in conservation and education efforts.

At this point in time, the establishments which Mr Pearson calls "freak shows" are still considered essential in the effort to conserve animals and the loss of such establishments will therefore mean the loss of animal life.

Does Mr Pearson really want this to happen?

Rather than obtaining animals for the zoo from the wild, it would be the policy of the zoo to get them from captive breeding programmes. They are bought or given out on loan from authorised dealers who buy directly from people running conservation programmes.

Indeed, one already finds a variety of zoological animals in Malta. Monkeys, apes and an increasing number of reptiles are readily available for purchase in local pet shops.

The only way this project can work is through a carefully prepared business plan. In time it will support itself through the organisation of family activities within the leisure complex.