Press Release –
Dharmasraya, 4 May 2020 – The Dharmasraya Sumatran Tiger Rehabilitation Center (PR-HSD) run by ARSARI Djojohadikusumo Foundation (YAD) had admitted another Sumatran Tiger (Pantera tigris sumatrae) into its facilities on Sunday, 3 May 2020. The female Sumatran Tiger, Ria, was evacuated by the Center for Natural Resources Conservation (KSDA) Riau Office from the area belonging to PT Riau Indo Agro Palma (RIA), Tanjung Simpang Village, Pelangiran District, Indra Giri Hilir Regency, Riau Province.
Evacuation process commenced within 12 hours after Ria wandered into a box trap on Saturday, 2 May 2020, at around 09.00 GMT+7. Translocation process took another 18 hours through land and water routes. “After coordinating with BKSDA West Sumatra Office, we immediately engaged in intensive communication with YAD to prepare them for Ria’s arrival at PR-HSD. This is the 5th time we have collaborated with PR-HSD in rescuing Sumatran Tigers from conflicts within Riau Province,” said Suharyono, Head of KSDA Riau Office after the thrilling 30-hour rescue process. “In the past, PR-HSD had rehabilitated four Sumatran tigers from our area. The tigers were Bonita, Atan Bintang, Inung Rio, and the most recent addition was Corina, who came a month ago,” he added.
Ria arrived at PR-HSD, nestling in the area of PT. Tidar Kerinci Agung (TKA), on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at 18.13 WIB. The handover was carried out directly by the Head of KSDA Riau Office and the representative of KSDA West Sumatra Office to Drh. Saruedi Simamora, PR-HSD Operations Manager. “YAD would like to appreciate the hard work of everyone who strive to rescue Sumatran tigers and ensure the safety of citizens from human-tiger conflict that has been on-going in Pelangiran region, even in the midst of corona pandemic,” spoke Catrini Kubontubuh, Executive Director of YAD.
Upon arrival at the PR-HSD, the medical team gave Ria 2 days to rest properly before giving her a thorough medical check-up. This is due to the fact that Ria has undertaken an exhausting journey and her condition, while not yet stable, does not require immediate medical treatment. Thus, the medical examination will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. “Ria’s arrival, which is only a month after the start of Corina’s rehabilitation, poses a certain challenge for the PR-HSD medical team. We have prepared an isolation cage for Ria, who will be separated from Corina, to help undergo intensive monitoring period for the next 2 days x 24 hours.” Drh. Saruedi Simamora, Operational Manager of PR-HSD, explained. “PR-HSD Medical Team consists of veterinarians and a team of rehabilitation specialists, namely paramedics and animal nurses, and they will give their best to rehabilitate these two Sumatran tigers,” one of the veterinarians, known as dr. Mora, concluded.
In a separate occasion, Hashim Djojohadikusumo as the Chairperson of YAD conveyed the message “We are grateful for the trust and support of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry through the KSDA West Sumatra and Riau, that enables us at PR-HSD to rehabilitate Ria, the 9th Sumatran Tiger entrusted to us.”
Further information:
Catrini Kubontubuh, YAD Executive Director (0813 8130 3696)
drh. Saruedi Simamora, PR-HSD Operational Manager (0852 6118 1887) Tito Suryawan, YAD Media and Communication (085794850305)