Tiger owned by Purworejo Regent Confiscated

Wednesday, 07 October, 2009 14:04 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Yogyakarta: A four-year old Sumatran tiger belonging to suspended Purworejo regent, Kelik Sumrahadi, was confiscated yesterday at the Purworejo Hall by the Central Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency, given that Kelik did not have the necessary permit.

The tigress was a gift to Kelik when he was sworn in as regent. Kelik is now facing a corruption case.

Tigers are rare and protected animals. The tiger, named Kliwon, is being kept at Gembira Loka Zoo in Yogyakarta. “The zoo has adequate facilities so we were asked to keep the tiger,” said the zoo’s administrator, Paidi K.S, yesterday.

According to Paidi, Gembira Loka will search investigate the tigress’ family tree, to see whether it is still related with the existing ones or if it is another species that does not yet exist in the zoo. If it is of a different species, it will be quarantined. “For the time being, we will not show her to visitors,” said the zoo’s chief veterinarian, Fitrianingsih.

http://www.tempointeractive.com/hg/nasional/2009/10/07/brk,20091007-201297,uk.html

https://bigcatrescue.org