"I am sure the present condition of the zoo is much improved, because we have prepared a number of new concepts for its future development," the mayor said here on Friday.
She made the statement in response to a Daily Mail report which dubbed the Surabaya Zoo as the "Worlds Cruelest Death House for Animals."
But the mayor said this negative picture was deliberately being promoted by certain persons who did not like the zoo managed by the Surabaya city administration.
"I know who is behind all this, but please be assured that the condition of the zoo is much better now," Risma said, adding that the management of the zoo is now in the hands of the Regional Wildlife Park Company (PDTS).
Also, she promised to restore the glory of the 15-hectare zoo by equipping it with a sea world and other facilities to attract more visitors.
(O001/INE)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
