RRI.CO.ID, Kota Bandung - The West Java Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) is prepared to relocate wildlife from the Bandung Zoo to nearby conservation centers. This action will be taken if a formal agreement with the Bandung City Administration fails to materialize.

This contingency plan underscores a shift in management strategy as the current transitional phase nears its conclusion. It places the welfare of hundreds of protected animals at the forefront of regional policy.

Head of the Technical Division at BBKSDA West Java, Andri Hansen Siregar, emphasized on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, that the agency is prioritizing the safety of the zoo's residents.

"We hope that if there is no clarity, the protected animals will be taken over to be secured in the nearest conservation institutions," said Andri in Bandung, as reported by Antara.

The current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is set to expire on May 6, 2026, marking the end of a three-month term. Once this period concludes, the facility's operational framework is expected to undergo significant changes to ensure legal and biological compliance.

The urgency of the situation involves approximately 711 animals, all of which are classified as protected species and legally considered state assets entrusted to conservation bodies.

Following the revocation of previous management permits, the central government has assumed full responsibility for their care.Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) at the Ministry of Forestry, Satyawan Pudyatmoko, previously noted that existing agreements were designed to maintain care standards and protect local jobs.

"The point is to ensure that the welfare of the animals at Bandung Zoo is guaranteed and employees can still work, so that operations continue," remarked Satyawan.

As the deadline approaches, the government’s primary objective remains the prevention of neglect for the diverse species housed within the park. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)