About the Bali Zoo Project

Bali Zoo, situated in the village of Singapadu (near Ubud), has known better days. Since the tragic terrorist attacks of 2002 and 2005, a downturn in tourism has seen the number of visitors to the zoo rapidly decline.

Often criticised for its barren enclosures, consisting mainly of concrete and iron bars, the zoo is long overdue for an upgrade of its facilities. However, a slump in tourist numbers translates to a drop in revenue, so the Bali Zoo’s owner, Anak Agung Gede Putra, has been unable to run the zoo at a first class standard. In fact, Agung’s valiant effort over the years to keep his 75 staff employed, and 350 animals fed, has left the zoo in debt to the staggering amount of AUD$500,000.

The local bank, after giving the zoo many years to repay the debt, indicated that they would need to take over the facility to reclaim their losses. Sensitive to the fact that this could mean unemployment and the accompanying domino effect for the local community, Agung avoided this situation for as long as he possibly could.

As luck would have it, the owners of Peel Zoo in Western Australia, Tony and Narelle Greenwood, made an unplanned visit with their children to the Bali Zoo in November 2006. Tony’s concern about the small enclosures and other living conditions of the animals prompted the family to offer their expertise to help improve conditions at the zoo.

Over the past few months, the task has evolved into something much larger than first anticipated. In May, Tony began renovating by simply knocking down walls and increasing the size of many of the animal enclosures. He also assisted Agung in negotiating a repayment plan with the bank.

There is still a lot to be done, and now that the scale of the project is known, a much larger commitment is required of the Greenwood family. At the request of Agung, they have made the decision to move to Bali and follow this project through to completion.

Plans are now in place to continue with the renovation of enclosures, taking full advantage of their tropical jungle setting, and turning the Bali Zoo into a world class facility where the animals can live comfortably. As well as physically upgrading the zoo there are plans to create an education centre that will provide staff and locals with knowledge of zoology and tourism. The zoo’s restaurant, Starbhoga, has also had its kitchen and menu revamped, and is a fantastic dining option in its own right.

Of course, all of these improvements come at a price. Whilst the Greenwood family has already contributed much out of their own pocket, they require your support to continue with the Bali Zoo Project. Whether in the form of a donation, animal sponsorship, corporate naming rights to an enclosure, visiting the zoo when you are in Bali, or even just spreading the word - your support would be greatly appreciated by all in the Bali Zoo family.