Posted on 01/25/2010 7:44:45 AM PST by Ebenezer
MAYAGÜEZ - Closed exhibits. Strewn trash. Walkways covered with fallen leaves and mud, green areas in need of maintenance, displays with dirty glass and broken and missing wooden handrails – those are just some of what visitors can expect to find at the Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo in Mayagüez.
“Disappointing” may be the best word to describe what was seen there during a trip to the Puerto Rico National Parks Company facility last week by CyberNews.
According to employees, the main reason for the deteriorated condition of one of the chief attractions on the west coast is the lack of personnel. At least nine workers have been dismissed, of whom at least six did maintenance and upkeep.
“Since this administration arrived they took out nine employees, and almost all were in the area of cleanup. Now they want us, in addition to taking care of the animals, to also clean up,” said one worker, who declined to be identified.
The animals, at least, appeared to be in good condition.
However, CyberNews noted a lack of security at the aviary, where anyone could leave the door open, allowing birds to fly out — and leaving open the possibility of theft.
The bathrooms were also in poor condition, without paper products or soap. Concessionaires didn’t operate on week days, and soda machines and water fountains didn’t work.
Signs identifying animals, meanwhile, were missing, or incorrect. The giraffe, for example, was identified as a camel.
And the butterfly, snake and insect exhibits were closed, while the bear and monkey exhibits were closed for repairs, although no one was seen working on them.
National Parks Executive Director Daniel Galán Kercadó appeared unaware of the conditions at the zoo. After insisting that it was in excellent shape, he blamed any problems on the past administration for not assigning enough funds.
He said the government is focused on ensuring the continued federal certification of the facility, which he said justifies cutting back on maintenance.
As for personnel, he said, no regular workers had been dismissed. The number of irregular employees has decreased somewhat, however.
“No regular company employees have been dismissed. Those irregular employees … well, yes, there is an economic limitation — like in many agencies. In the case of the [National] Parks Company, there is a substantial reduction in the budget, [including] irregular personnel,” he said.
After hearing about the problems seen during the visit, Galán Kercadó said the conditions are “not acceptable for me — for the Parks Company they are not acceptable.”
He said the agency is implementing several measures to increase revenues, such as looking for sponsors to provide large amounts of funding.
He could also ask the Office of Management and Budget to assign additional funding for maintenance and to contract temporary workers, at least during the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayagüez, when the number of local and international visitors to the zoo is expected to skyrocket.
ping
If I am not mistaken, Mayagüez is the only zoo in Puerto Rico, with the exception of a small facility at Luis A. Ferré Sciences Park in Bayamón.
It would not surprise me if the information is accurate; I cannot see the government of Puerto Rico running anything effectively, a zoo included. The facility should might as well go under the control of a non-profit organization, just as Audubon Zoo in New Orleans.
‘National Parks Executive Director Daniel Galán Kercadó appeared unaware of the conditions at the zoo. After insisting that it was in excellent shape, he blamed any problems on the past administration for not assigning enough funds.’
Bushes fault?!
I have been to the one in Bayamon and I felt bad for the animals. Their cages were clean but barren. Just a concrete floor and chain link fencing. The poor things looked so bored and sad.
Having lived there for 3 years I saw appalling animal abuse. There are so many dead dogs on the road it is disgusting. I rescued a dog, a horse, and 2 cats and brought them all home with me when we moved back.
The article is making reference to Puerto Rico’s past administration, not the United States’. And the island’s government-run National Parks Company is not to be confused with the federal National Park Service.
As far as I remember, Puerto Rico hasn’t had an effective animal-welfare organization to take on the situations you refer to. And, unfortunately, zoos have had a sorry track record in the island.
I understand that. That is why it is so funny.
I thought this guy sounded like BHO. Doesn’t he?
For years, Puerto Rican politicians have mastered the art of blaming their problems on “the past administration”.
I am, however, very aware about the incompetence of the "national" Parks Company.
Zoos, unless they are engaged in research to save endangered animals, should be all closed, in my opinion. Merely exhibiting animals for the people's amusement is so 19th century.
Puerto Rico Ping! Please Freepmail me if you want on or off the list.
I agree. I don't believe Puerto Rico's National (?) Parks Company shares the mission of, say, the Audubon Nature Institute, which operates Audubon Zoo in New Orleans:
- Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality
- Exhibit the diversity of wildlife
- Preserve native Louisiana [or, Puerto Rico in this case] habitats
- Educate our diverse audience about the natural world
- Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through research and conservation
- Provide opportunities for recreation in natural settings
- Operate a financially self-sufficient collection of museum and parks
- Weave quality entertainment through the guest experience
That would be too much for bureaucrats!
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