JEDDAH, 13 September 2003 — The Jeddah Zoo, the responsibility of the Jeddah Municipality, is to get a major refurbishment and a twice-weekly veterinary visit. The municipality is poised to sign a contract for improving the living conditions of the zoo animals by providing regular specialist care. Essam Ebrahim, one of the municipality officials overseeing the project, confirmed Wednesday that the contract was waiting for the mayor’s signature and it would then be implemented. Plans are well advanced for a complete redesign and upgrading of the zoo premises and the animal houses.

The conditions in the zoo have long been extremely poor. Rusting cages, broken drainage, inadequate food and extremely small living spaces have contributed to the animals’ poor condition. Many suffer from disease as a direct result of the conditions, with mange, cancers and physical deformity being common.

The zoo recently witnessed the relatively rare event of two tigers being born in captivity. Any additions to this endangered species are valuable assets to the zoological world. Both died.

The working horses that until recently provided rides for visitors to Al-Hamra Beach and were maintained by their owners and operators, were recently confiscated and put in the care of the zoo.

A private donation of SR20,000 by a royal benefactor was a stop-gap measure and allowed immediate “first aid” action by Deborah Zahid, owner of a Jeddah veterinary practice.

“Having eventually got the permission of the zoo, we were able to treat half of the 447 animals held in the zoo,” she said. “We had to make some tough decisions about which ones to treat. Some were too far gone and simply could not be helped. The ones with the best chances of responding to treatment were the priority.”

Even after treating the animals, they remain in poor health, though not terminally so. Years of inadequate food and pestilential surroundings have taken their toll. “We have temporarily stopped the decline in their health, but at best it is only temporary. Major action over the fabric and organization of animal care at the zoo is needed.”

There has been considerable reluctance on the part of the zoo to institute changes. Offers from generous private benefactors to house and feed the animals for free in Riyadh while the zoo was refurbished were turned down. “Once the real extent of the horrors in the zoo came to light,” said Deborah Zahid, “the reaction started.”

Prince Faisal ibn Saud ibn Abdul Mohsen, enthusiastically backed the idea of refurbishment, supported by the Deputy Mayor, Dr Waleed Abdul Aal. Dr Abuzinada, a consultant with the National Commission for Wildlife and Conservation Development added informed input and supported the proposals.

Over a period of six months, the Ministry of Agriculture was constantly informed and updated about the severe conditions and was also offered practical solutions. The most recent decision was to have the municipality go ahead, which means that the refurbishment contract can now be signed and work can begin. During the improvements, the animals will be housed on site, with the veterinary attention taking place from the start.

“Now they have responded and the much needed veterinary attention is about to start,” said Deborah Zahid. “There is much more work to be done regarding animal care in the Kingdom. There is a huge lack of public awareness about the care and welfare of animals.”

Following on from the zoo project, Deborah Zahid is developing a program that advises potential and existing pet owners of their animal’s needs and the potential hazards that are sometimes involved. “Very few people are aware that domestic animals can be vectors of diseases that affect humans. A good quality zoo demonstrates to the public humane and appropriate conditions for captive animals. This coupled with an education program is a genuine contribution to public health,” she said.