Crocodile farm appeals for public support to take care of animals
MIRI: The Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant Movement Control Order (MCO) to contain its spread have caused temporary shutdown of Miri Crocodile Farm (MCF), with its management now appealing for public support to cover operating costs.
MCF has collaborated with an online ticketing and event management platform to launch its ‘Help the Animals’ programme to encourage the public to adopt their animals.
MCF managing director Kapitan Chai Kuen Ming told The Borneo Post that the operation and maintenance works were still being carried by their staff as usual amidst the MCO.
“Prior to the MCO, we had ample time to prepare food and medical supplies that would suffice for two weeks. The operations that are still going on as usual are feeding, bathing, medical attention as well as hygiene maintenance – all vital for the animals’ health.
“Apart from famous crocodiles, there are 70 to 80 other animal species that are under our care.
“All our staff members on the ground are working round the clock, taking care of the animals. Other maintenance works include checking all building structures, making sure that all animal cages are solid and secure, and also keeping landscaping in order.
“They are putting 100 per cent effort into their work and for the animals, and we appreciate their dedication; hence, them still receiving full salaries.
“However, the prolonged MCO is beyond our expectation. We worry that all financial resources would dry up soon. Thus, we appeal for the public to support the animals and our dedicated staff,” said Chai.
He pointed out that previously, they used gate collection to cover the farm’s management.
“Now that everyone remains at home, we have no visitor and practically, we have zero cashflow coming in to support the MCF.
“We are currently digging into our reserves to maintain the farm and keep the animals healthy,” Chai lamented.
On the programme, he said it was offering packages for adoption of crocodiles or other animals ranging from RM10 to RM500.
“For the RM10 package, the purchaser would get an e-certificate. The purchaser of RM30 package would receive a complimentary ticket, an e-certificate and an acknowledgement on MCF’s Facebook page.
“For the RM50 package, the purchaser is entitled to two adult tickets and one child ticket, an e-certificate and acknowledgement on our Facebook page; the purchaser of RM500 package would receive 20 adult tickets and 10 child tickets, an e-certificate and acknowledgement on our Facebook page,” Chai elaborated.
He added that community contribution and support meant a lot to MCF, particularly the animals, as it would help lessen the burden off the management during this trying time.
“Most of the animals have been under our care for more than a decade, and some are the second or third generation, it would not be possible to release them to the wild.
“Recognising our responsibility, we pledge to take care of all our animals despite the challenging times, and it would help us if the public could support us financially, no matter what the amount.”
Chai said they were overwhelmed by the response since the programme’s launch on April 30 – MCF even received support from people overseas who had heard of its plea for help.
“We are grateful for the help and most certainly we will do our best, with the support from the public, in taking care of the animals,” added Chai.
The purchasing of any of the packages can be done via https://www.ticket2u. com.my/event/18485 ‘Help The Animal Program’ Miri Crocodile Farm.