SPCA to lodge complaint against Natal Zoological Gardens owner
Thousands have signed a petition for the release of a primate named Opal from the enclosure.
JOHANNESBURG - The Kloof and Highway SPCA says it will lodge a case against the Natal Zoological Gardens owner Brian Boswell to have an orangutan released.
Thousands have signed a petition for the release of the primate named Opal after claims that Boswell has been keeping her in isolation.
But Boswell denies claims that she's being mistreated, saying orangutans are naturally solitary.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA in Pietermaritzburg says it's concerned for Opal's wellbeing with no play mate or structures inside her pen to stimulate her.
Investigating Officer Cheri Cooke says she's begged Boswell to send Opal to a primate facility in the United Kingdom, where she can live with other animals - in a suitable enclosures.
"Opal is in this barren, cell-like environment where she has no environmental enrichment whatsoever."
But Boswell says opal is content and has been for the past 30 years.
"They are completely solitary and why should she go and stay with other people she doesn't know when she has been happy for 30 years? She was born here."
However, Cooke says opal needs to live in a primate dedicated facility and she will be meeting with prosecutors tomorrow to open a case.
More in Local
-
‘Cash strapped’ Autopax makes urgent plans to pay staff salaries
-
Implats' Marula mine in S.Africa rebounding as community violence fades
-
CT calls on Sassa for humanitarian relief in poor areas following heavy rain
-
[LISTEN] Lesufi: These morons came to 'hang' me
-
Cabinet condemns Lesufi 'hanging' incident
-
No load shedding this winter, Eskom tells Parly committee
Comments
EWN welcomes all comments that are constructive, contribute to discussions in a meaningful manner and take stories forward.
comments powered by DisqusHowever, we will NOT condone the following:
- Racism (including offensive comments based on ethnicity and nationality)
- Sexism
- Homophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Cyber bullying
- Hate speech
- Derogatory language
- Comments inciting violence.
We ask that your comments remain relevant to the articles they appear on and do not include general banter or conversation as this dilutes the effectiveness of the comments section.
We strive to make the EWN community a safe and welcoming space for all.
EWN reserves the right to: 1) remove any comments that do not follow the above guidelines; and, 2) ban users who repeatedly infringe the rules.
Should you find any comments upsetting or offensive you can also flag them and we will assess it against our guidelines.
EWN is constantly reviewing its comments policy in order to create an environment conducive to constructive conversations.