Allocation insufficient to address rising cost of maintaining Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, says Sabah Tourism Minister

 

KOTA KINABALU: Cost of maintaining the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is increasing annually but the allocations given for the upkeep and care of animals have remained quite static, said Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Arifin.

He said the annual allocation for the park is around RM4.2mil but the cost of food and other operational expenses continue to rise.

“For example, we have 16 elephants and as they grow, their food intake and other care costs also increase,” he said when contacted.

Jafry said other than food and drinks, there were supplements, medications, enrichment programmes and toys to be purchased for the wellbeing of all the animals.

There were also daily upkeep costs, occasional repair works on fences and other equipment to be considered.

Occasionally, the park which currently houses over 200 animals including mammals, reptiles and birds, will fall short in its budget, he added.

“The process to apply for additional funding and to wait for its approval before funds deplete, would take some time and that is why the park came up with proactive and creative measures first,” he said.

Recently, the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park put up an advertisement calling for the public to donate fruits and vegetables and even toys for the elephants.

However, many questioned the move and wanted to know whether there were cuts in budget for the park.

To put a stop to speculations and misunderstandings, the park decided to take down the request.

However, those who wished to contribute, not only food items but enrichment items for the animals, can contact the wildlife park at 088-760665 for more information. - Star