Kuching, Friday, 20 February 2009 – SARAWAK FORESTRY today played host to delegates from The Nature Conservation Division of Department of Forest of Bhutan at its Matang and Semenggoh Wildlife Centres.
The delegates, consist three officers – Kinley Tshering, Ratu Wangchuk and Sonam Wangdi, are in Malaysia for a study visit from 18 to 25 February 2009 to learn the ways of Malaysian approach and success stories with regards to rehabilitation and conservation of wildlife. The visit was made possible under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere with objectives to:
- study the design of orang-utan rehabilitation centre
- learn about animal care, specimen preparations and feeding bays; and
- seek technical advice and assistance for developing Bhutan Takin Rehab Centre.
SARAWAK FORESTRY Corporation’s Chief Park Warden, Wilfred Landong said, “the fact that Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is recognised by UNESCO, as a learning centre for wildlife study and exemplary management of wildlife centre for others to follow is very inspiring. It shows that international organisation is aware of our conservation effort.”
He added “we are proud to share our experience in management of wildlife centre in fact with any guests at the same time learning from them as well. The exchange of knowledge is an area which we always look forward to in creating our tight knit conservation network which may not necessarily be localised, but rather mobile and far reaching”.
“Hopefully the relationship created today would make a lasting impact and information gained will be able to provide the delegates with the right perspectives to develop their Bhutan Takin Rehab Centre”.
The delegates were given hands on experience in studying the approaches applied by SARAWAK FORESTRY in its wildlife conservation program at both Matang and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. The visit is timely as both Centres had recently being blessed with the birth of three baby orangutans within a couple of weeks – two on February 3 in Matang Wildlife Centre and one on February 9 in Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.
The study visit is expected to increase understanding on rescue of wildlife, proper wildlife rescue vehicles and management aspects of a wildlife centre.
