February 2000

WSPA spearheads plan to
build enclosure for crocodiles in Dili

The Australian branch of WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) has confirmed that they are working with a team from Australia Zoo to build an enclosure for two crocodiles at a Catholic Church in Dili.

"In December last year a team from WSPA travelled to East Timor to assess the animal welfare needs following the conflict," says Kylie Jones, Regional Manager, WSPA Australia. "The Australian Army notified us that there were two crocodiles living in unacceptable conditions. One in the grounds of a Catholic church and another located on ex-Indonesian military training grounds, now secured by the Australian Army in Dili."

The WSPA team contacted the Australia Zoo and two crocodile experts joined WSPA in Dili, where they assessed their health and determined that relocating the crocodiles to Australia was not a possibility due to strict quarantine regulations.

"It was more than likely that relocating the crocodiles would pose a serious physical threat to them and so the logical solution was to build a new enclosure in Dili. The fact that crocodiles are considered sacred in East Timor provides a further reason not to relocate them to Australia" says Ms Jones.

The Catholic priest, Father Leao Da Costa, granted permission for WSPA/Australia Zoo team to build the enclosure in the grounds of the Catholic church and plans were made to return to Dili at the beginning of February to construct the enclosure and relocate both crocodiles.

Early this week a team of seven builders from Australia Zoo arrived in Dili to start construction and WSPA, together with a crocodile relocation crew, will join the construction team on Tuesday 1st February.

"We are delighted to be able to work with the Australia Zoo on this project" says Ms Jones "We have been greatly assisted by the Australian Army in co-operating with us to transport the building team and their supplies across on the Jervis Bay, which has been a tremendous help. Without such assistance, it would not have been possible to get this project off the ground, and implement a solution for these crocodiles in Dili."

WSPA is an international organisation working in more than 70 countries and representing over 350 animal protection societies throughout the world. With over 40 years experience in animal welfare and conservation, WSPA has consultative status with the United Nations and works in co-operation with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on animal related issues.

Available on request:

• Broadcast quality footage and colour transparencies.
• Interview with Kylie Jones, Regional Manager for WSPA Australia.

Please contact:

Anne Lloyd-Jones, WSPA, on (02) 9901 5277 or 0404 066 498 during business hours, or e-mail annelj@wspa.org.au.