University in Indonesia to Build a Zoo on Campus

Bengkulu (Antara) - University of Bengkulu, UNIB, in Bengkulu Province, is planning to build an area designed as a zoo inside the campus. "This is our commitment since we are concerned about animal conservation, which is on the brink of extinction," stated University of Bengkulu Rector, Ridwan Nurazi in Bengkulu, on Tuesday. He noted that the university will soon provide a space to build a zoo inside the university area. According to Ridwan, the university area reaches 100 hectares, consisting of 40 percent of campus building and 60 percent forest. "It is impossible for us to build a large-scale zoo since it has special requirements. We are just going to build a zoo which could be a shelter for endangered animals," Ridwan clarified. The zoo is going to facilitate breeding endangered animals since the university has adequate academicians from agriculture, livestock, forestry and biology, who will be able to examine and work on developing good breeds. Ridwan added that the university will also develop forests in the campus area. "We are trying to preserve plants that grows in university forest, however it should be in accordance to university plans," he pointed out. (*) Reporting by Boyke LW Translated by: Maria Rosari