Bua Noi – meaning little lotus in Thai – a 30-year-old female gorilla, has been living a nightmare for the years. She is enclosed on the sixth floor of a large store in Bangkok, Thailand, where she serves as an attraction for clients, reported the siteThe Dodo.
Une photo publiée par Typical turtles (@animalwelfare_th) le 25 Juil. 2015 à 3h49 PDT
The gorilla isn't the only animal living in these horrible conditions. Accessible by an elevator, the Pata Zoo contains other primates like orangutans and chimpanzees, as well as leopards, reptiles and birds.
Une photo publiée par Thaiamuletsworld.com (@thaiamuletsworld) le 9 Oct. 2014 à 4h11 PDT
In 2015, Thai authorities finally decided to react, under pressure from animal activists who have been calling for the closure of the zoo for years. Reports claim that the animals have since been "saved," but photos prove the contrary. Bua Noi seemed to still be living behind bars in her prison, at the top of the large store as ofNovember 2016.
Une photo publiée par Supawat ; 22 ; Bangkok (@xsupa) le 19 Juin 2016 à 6h59 PDT
Animal protection laws are practically inexistant in Thailand, and those that do exist are extremely vague, making them difficult to enforce.
Source: Change.orgThe associationSave Gorilla Little Lotusseems to have decided to do everything possible to pull Bua Noi from her nightmare. Jodie Broad, volunteer for the organization, even met with government officials in May 2016, along with Sinjira Apaitan, another activist for the liberation of the animal. Sadly, these meetings didn't accomplish much. She admitted:
There was talk that she was going to be freed as they were not going to renew the zoo license — but they did renew it and Pata Zoo remains open.
Une photo publiée par Nat Laokorkiat (@nat_laokorkiat) le 4 Juin 2016 à 4h17 PDT
The living conditions of the gorilla are catastrophic for the mental health of the animal. These primates possess extremely complex social structures, resulting from their profound intelligence, and live in groups. Bua Noi lives along in reduced space, falling prey to boredom.
Une photo publiée par chayaninja (@chayaninja) le 12 Juin 2016 à 2h55 PDT
The zoo director, Kanit Sermsirimongkhon, doesn't doesn't understand the controversy around his establishment and pretends to have opened it in hommage to his love of animals. However, they live in horrifying conditions, according to reports made last year by Giselle Coreira, an animal right's activist.
Une photo publiée par Chomnad (@chomnad) le 12 Juin 2016 à 19h46 PDT
A petition was launched on November 23 to demand the liberation of Bua Noi. You can sign it here.
H/t: The Dodo
* * *
At Holidog, we aim to improve the lives of your furry friends. Enjoy your holidays with peace of mind, knowing your pet is in great hands (find a petsitter near you) and spoil them with our monthly subscription box filled with yummy treats and toys (get your free box here). You can count on us!
.png)
