JEDDAH, 30 December 2003 — Following an Arab News expose about the Jeddah Zoo last week, the Jeddah municipality has signed a contract with a veterinary clinic to provide emergency medical care for the animals held at the zoo.
But medical care will not begin for at least six months because the municipality claims it does not have the money, according to Deborah Zahid, owner of the Tahlia International Veterinary Clinic.
When Arab News first spoke with Walaed Abdulaal, the man in charge of the zoo, two weeks ago about the condition of the animals, he was very positive.
“I am happy you brought this to our attention,” he said. “We don’t have a proper budget for this problem but we are willing to pay immediately from other sources.”
Yesterday Walaed added a proviso. “As with any expenditure, we have to allocate funds. These things take time.”
However, Arab News has learned through a municipality source that the budget for the zoo is SR3 million, only SR1.9 million of which is being spent on the animals.
“A few days ago the municipality signed the contract to provide the medical care these animals need,” Deborah said. But the municipality said “they won’t have the money to pay for it for up to six months.”
She said she was willing to provide some of the services for free but could not undertake such expense on her own. “Many of these animals will continue to suffer and some will die.”
“If we can arrange something reasonable, we will go with it,” Walaed said last week. “We don’t want the article to show that we are only contracting a vet. That is not the solution. The solution is proper preparation and management for the zoo.”
Deborah and Fayfa, a well-known pet store, have proposed a scheme to operate while plans for investors to take over the management and reconstruction of the zoo are in preparation.
Deborah suggested that the best immediate solution is to move the animals from the zoo — at Kilo 11 — to Fayfa. The cages at Fayfa are not designed for zoo animals, but they would be modified immediately, Deborah said. The medical and health conditions there are far better than at the Jeddah Zoo.
“We then can get businesses and individuals to sponsor the animals. I have spoken with the general manager of Fayfa, and he agreed 100 percent,” Deborah said.
Sponsoring a lion costs as little as SR300 per month, less than some domestic cats. Some of the animals could be sold as pets. “Fayfa and I will make sure all buyers are properly trained and have the facilities and money to care for them properly. We will, of course, periodically check on their welfare.”
If the zoo license could be transferred from the Kilo 11 zoo to Fayfa, the animals could be exhibited to the public while they receive medical care from the veterinary clinic right next door.
“The move will not cost the municipality any money as Zahid Heanor Heavy Transport Company will move them for free,” Deborah said.
“The animals will attract visitors to Fayfa, and possibly sponsorship. Sponsors would have their names prominently displayed if they wished. The only animals that couldn’t be moved are the elephants. There is not enough space at Fayfa.”
To date, Zahid Tractor and members of the Zahid family, as well as the Arab Circumnavigator Dive Center, have agreed to undertake some of the expenses associated with the care and treatment of these animals. Those interested in sponsoring the animals can contact Tahlia International Veterinary Clinic.
“I think this is an excellent solution, and I am open to it,” Walaed said. “I have to discuss it with the mayor. It is up to him.”
Representatives from Fayfa and Tahlia International Veterinary Clinic will meet with Walaed early next week to discuss the plan.
