Wednesday, July 30th 2025 Reporter: Tiyo Surya Sakti Translator: Maria Inggita 162
(Foto: Istimewa)
The management of Ragunan Zoo in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, remains committed to ensuring that all animals receive consistent and proper care.
Jalu has reached 22 years old, which is an exceptional age for a jaguar.
Head of Ragunan Zoo Public Relation, Wahyudi Bambang, regretted over a viral video showing a jaguar named Jalu appearing weak, which circulated with a negative narrative and without proper confirmation.
"Jalu is not a new animal. He has been part of Ragunan Zoo family since 2007 when he was just four years old," he said on Wednesday (7/30).
Wahyudi pointed out that Jalu has reached 22 years old, which is an exceptional age for a jaguar. This shows a high quality of care and attention he has received at the zoo.
"In the wild, jaguars typically live only up to 12 to 15 years. But under intensive care in captivity or conservation institutions, they usually live up to 20 years. Jalu has surpassed that," he explained.
He hoped that Jalu's thin condition would not continue to trigger negative perceptions or assumptions of neglect. The fact that Jalu remains active is proof that Ragunan Zoo maintains a serious and consistent commitment to animal welfare.
"Like humans, elderly animals experience changes such as slower movement, reduced stamina, or a leaner body. But this doesn't mean they are being neglected," he added.
Wahyudi confirmed that aging animals like Jalu are still given the opportunity to be active through walking, sunbathing, swimming, and climbing.
Such activities are necessary to provide physical and mental stimulation that supports the animals' quality of life.
"Placing animals in exhibition enclosures is always done with careful consideration. As a conservation institution, we believe that all animals, whether young or old, deserve to be seen, acknowledged, and valued," he asserted.
He also thanked the public for their concern and assured that welfare of all animals at Ragunan Zoo remains a top priority.
"The point is, all animals at Ragunan Zoo receive regular health checkups, behavioral enrichment to encourage their natural instincts, and nutritious food adjusted to their individual needs," he concluded.
