SINGAPORE : The prevailing haze is exacting a huge cost not only to human health, but also to nature.
The Singapore Zoo, which supports conservation projects in Indonesia, raised concerns on Tuesday that the haze is threatening the wildlife in Kalimantan.
So far, animals in Singapore have been spared from haze-related respiratory problems.
Unlike their kind in Indonesia, the orang utans at the Singapore Zoo could swing freely in relatively clear skies.
But zoo keepers have been keeping a close eye on the animals under their charge.
"The haze is not affecting the animals here, so far. Our job scope includes observing the birds and we have vets here in case we detect visible problems affecting the animals. We observe their breathing and look for signs such as heavy breathing or any unusual behaviour," explains Julius Ang, who is an animal show presenter at Singapore Zoo.
So far, none of the 3,000 animals there had to be treated for eye infection or other haze-related respiratory illnesses.
Visitors are also thankful that the zoo did not have to cancel any animal shows due to the haze.
"Haze or no haze, I'm not going to miss that. Nope! We're only here for three days and I really want to see Singapore properly. But I feel sorry for (Singaporeans) having to put up with the haze. But for 3 days, I can tolerate that," says Bob Dragvik, a tourist from Canada.
"I'll still go out if the PSI is at 100. If it goes up to 150, then I'll stay indoors," says one Singaporean, who is at the zoo with his wife and three children.
Despite the haze, the zoo says the number of visitors has not been affected.
The zoo adds that because it's located within the central catchment area, the air quality there is generally better.
"I came from Hong Kong and it was terrible there. You could taste the pollution. But not here; it's perfect in Singapore," says Canadian tourist Mark Alexander.
But conservationists have more cross-boundary worries.
"The animals will get eye infection if it gets closer to the hazardous PSI level. So that's our biggest concern. The burning of the forests in Kalimantan will affect the wildlife, especially the endangered wildlife in Kalimantan. So we really hope that everyone can put some thoughts together on how to stop the haze as a team..., beyond political boundaries," says Fanny Lai, executive director of Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
Since last year, the Singapore Zoo has been providing veterinary support to an orang utan rehabilitation centre in Central Kalimantan.
Together with other conservation groups, the zoo strives to preserve and protect the last of the world's fast-disappearing biodiversity. - CNA /ls
Source: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/061018/5/singapore235987.html
Poor animals.
I thought orang utans live only in M'sia??
Wah, Chelzea, y the sudden concern over animals. Never study ar??
Hmm, if SIngapore Zoo is affected is such a way, can anyone imagine the animals in their natural habitats situated in the Indo islands ... omg
hope the animals are alright now
kana fried 
