In 2001, ACRES was deeply troubled to discover two former photography chimpanzees from Singapore Zoo Gardens (SZG) languishing in distressing conditions at Surabaya Zoo, Indonesia. Moved by their suffering and concerned about the fate of other ‘surplus’ chimpanzees previously transferred from Singapore, ACRES embarked on a year-long investigation to trace all 13 chimpanzees exported by SZG to zoos across Asia and the Middle East since 1990.
In partnership with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the International Primate Protection League (IPPL), ACRES conducted this investigation from June 2001 to August 2002. The primary objective was to assess the welfare and living conditions of these displaced individuals and to advocate for the ethical treatment of chimpanzees in all zoos involved.
Key Findings: A Disturbance Reality
ACRES visited six zoos across Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and India, documenting the lives of ten chimpanzees. Although financial constraints prevented visits to the zoos in Dubai and Japan, the findings were consistent and alarming:
- All chimpanzees examined were housed in substandard conditions—often in stark concrete enclosures devoid of enrichment, climbing structures, or adequate space.
- Every chimpanzee displayed abnormal, stereotypic behaviours, a recognised sign of psychological distress and an environment that fails to meet their species-specific needs.
- Over 60% of the chimpanzees were transferred from SZG at a young age, still dependent on their mothers—causing long-lasting emotional trauma.
- Similarly, over 60% were males, which is significant because male chimpanzees in the wild typically remain within their birth communities.
- Educational signage at the enclosures was minimal or absent, and visitor engagement at these exhibits was brief, rendering any educational value negligible.
A Breach of Ethical Responsibility
As a member of both the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the Southeast Asian Zoo Association (SEAZA), SZG is bound by strict codes of ethics regarding the transfer of animals. These standards require that animals are only sent to institutions with equivalent levels of care, skilled staff, and proper facilities. Unfortunately, the findings revealed that these ethical standards were not upheld in the transfer of surplus chimpanzees.
Despite SZG’s public assurance that animals would only be exchanged with zoos that could provide “a good home,” the reality starkly contradicted this claim. Many chimpanzees endured isolation, stress, and inadequate care—conditions that no animal should be subjected to.
Addressing the Issue: Advocacy and Dialogue
In response, ACRES published a comprehensive report outlining our findings and presented it to the Singapore Zoo. This was followed by a series of constructive meetings, during which SZG acknowledged its ethical responsibility and committed to urging the recipient zoos to improve conditions for the chimpanzees.
SZG also pledged to review and enhance its animal exchange protocols to prevent such issues from occurring again.
In May 2003, ACRES met with the Director of Zoo Melaka to deliver specific recommendations for improving the chimpanzee enclosure. Similar follow-ups were planned across the region.
A Promising Outcome: Hope Through Cooperation
By 2005, ACRES re-inspected the chimpanzee enclosures at four zoos—Zoo Melaka and Zoo Negara in Malaysia, and Surabaya Zoo and Gembira Loka Zoo in Indonesia—and was encouraged to witness meaningful improvements:
- Zoo Melaka upgraded Ghana and Coco’s enclosure, adding shelter, furniture, and enrichment.
- Zoo Negara introduced climbing structures, ropes, and natural enrichment features.
- Surabaya Zoo relocated Shasha and Jono from a concrete cage to a more spacious outdoor island.
- Gembira Loka Zoo moved Nadi to a significantly improved environment.
Additionally, Dollah, a chimpanzee sent to Shanghai Zoo, was relocated to a new 42-square-metre enclosure featuring a custom-built climbing structure and foraging area. The project was co-sponsored by the Roots & Shoots Education Programme, founded by renowned primatologist Dr Jane Goodall, who personally opened Dollah’s new home.
A Campaign That Made a Difference
The surplus chimpanzee campaign stands as a powerful example of how compassionate advocacy and collaboration can lead to meaningful change. ACRES remains committed to ensuring that all animals, especially those transferred across borders, are treated with the dignity, care, and respect they deserve.
We are grateful to the zoos that responded positively and took steps to improve the lives of these intelligent, social beings. There is still work to be done, but every improvement—no matter how small—brings us closer to a world where all animals live with the welfare they are rightfully owed.
Animals are not surplus. They are sentient lives, deserving of compassion, protection, and a voice.