The widespread spread of the Covid-19 outbreak caused many of the world's zoos to be closed during the pandemic, one of which occurred at the Medan City Zoo.

Since it was officially instructed to be closed by the Medan City Government on March 23, the revenue from entrance fees that should be used for animal food is currently lost.

However, Medan Zoo Manager Henry Pangestu Samosir ensured that there would be no reduction in food rations for the animals in this zoo.

According to Hendry, there are many volunteers who come to voluntarily provide food that they deliver themselves to the zoo.


Interview: Henry Pangestu Samosir (Manager of Medan City Zoo)


Ask: How long has the zoo been closed?

Henry: "Medan zoo is closed starting March 23, 2020 by order of the Mayor of Medan,".

Ask: Impacts that the zoo feels after closing?

"The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is that the zoo's finances are disrupted, which is usually the source of the animal food supply from the entrance ticket, so since it was closed automatically the procurement of pet food has been disrupted,"

Ask: How many animals are there?

"There are 150 species out of a total of 260 animals,"

Ask: How much does it cost to eat a month for animals here?

"85 to 90 million rupiah in a month"

Ask: "If conditions worsen, are there any steps planned to be taken?

"The first is to join caring about animals, it has already been done and usually many of the volunteers contribute food, such as fruit, meat. They came alone to deliver it to this Zoo. Then the second we propose to the Mayor for the procurement of animal food and hopefully he agrees and in July animal food will be provided by the Medan City government, "


Video by: Mirza Baihaqie / Opn Images