Community rallies for independent veterinary assessment of Opal the orangutan
Opal, a 45-year-old Borneo orangutan
Image: Supplied
THE KwaZulu-Natal North Coast community has united in a heartfelt campaign to secure an independent veterinary assessment for Opal, a 45-year-old Borneo orangutan.
The battle to have Opal moved from the Natal Zoological Gardens, near Pietermaritzburg, has been going on for years.
With strong fundraising efforts backing their mission, the community now aims to determine Opal's health and capability for relocation to a more suitable sanctuary.
Ban Animal Trading (BAT) has been fighting for Opal’s release from the Natal Zoological Gardens for over a decade.
Last year a petition, which was launched on change.org, garnered over 82 000 signatures. It called for Opal to be freed from Natal Zoological Gardens and relocated to a sanctuary.
Nicky Arthur, spokesperson for the North Coast Community Get Vocal for Opal campaign has called on all friends of animals and the natural environment to throw their weight behind the movement to help the primate.
"Opal has endured 45 years of unimaginable isolation in a barren concrete cage at Natal Zoological Gardens.
"We urge every compassionate heart in our community to rally with us now. Support our drive to secure an independent veterinary examination that could pave the way for her release and relocation to a sanctuary where she can finally thrive in dignity and freedom. Together, let's give Opal the justice she deserves," said Arthur.
Prathna Singh of Ban Animal Trading (BAT) said Opal’s story was a heart-wrenching symbol of the suffering endured by animals in captivity.
She added that Opal was born at the zoo in 1980 and has known only a barren enclosure with minimal enrichment – a makeshift climbing frame, which she described as pathetic.
“She looks so completely hopeless. If you look at her expression, her eyes just seem so lifeless. She has spent her entire life, over four decades, in that enclosure, in that cage,” said Singh.
Singh described Opal’s living conditions as “bleak”.
“She’s got this barren space, and there’s a climbing gym that is meant to be her stimulation or enrichment," Singh said.
Smaragda Louw of BAT added that Opal’s case illustrates that animals in zoos lack both conservation and educational value.
"They do not belong in zoos, but in their natural habitat.
“We’re asking for a vet to come and assess her so that, if she can be relocated, we can work towards a plan to get her professionally moved. If the vet finds it is not in her best interests at this stage of her life then we will accept that,” Louw said.
Louw said the zoo has claimed that Opal is comfortable and that their veterinarian advises against relocation.
"BAT and the community reject this, demanding transparency through the intervention of an independent expert,” said Louw.
BAT believes the community’s involvement can amplify its fight to stop animal trading, setting an example for others to take responsibility for animals in their care.