Dear Malaysian Nature Society,

I read with concern and much sadness about the deaths of the rare Sumatran rhinos at the Sg Dusun breeding programme. I think this is a big blow to our nation's image and the government should take responsibility and start monitoring the conditions in our zoos. It is a well-known fact that our zoos are ill-maintained. Malaysiakini reported that it was dirty conditions that caused the rhinos to contract the disease that ultimately killed the whole group of them.

I first read about this in a New Zealand newspaper, then in the local Star where it was more downplayed than in the NZ newspaper. I think that there is not enough of an uproar among locals over this issue. I suppose most Malaysians are of the mentality that these are "just animals".

As "the oldest scientific and non-government organisation in Malaysia dedicated to nature conservation and appreciation", would the Malaysian Nature Society please kick up a fuss about this, as this is really such a disgrace to our country.

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