Protecting PNG native animals

PORT Moresby’s Nature Park is spread across 14 acres of tropical greenery, showcasing the best of PNG’s flora and fauna including many rare and endangered species. Native animals include tree kangaroos, birds of paradise, cassowaries, snakes and many other bird species. Native plant species include orchids, gingers, heliconias and is home to the only remnant rainforest in Port Moresby filled with native rainforest tree species from many regions within the country.
It is PNG’s only combined botanical and zoological parks and gardens and is an initiative of the regional government, NCDC.
Last month, RSPCA staff had the privilege of going on a tour which was hosted by the park’s General Manager, Michelle McGeorge.
This gave them the opportunity to see native animals in their recreated natural environments and to take note of the similarities of both facilities with regards to animal care.
Although the vet clinic occasionally sees native animals come through its doors, it’s usually dogs and cats they tend to on a daily basis.
The tour emphasised that all animals require specialised care and, with particular regards to native animals that are on the endangered list, the correct environment in which to administer this kind of care.
Speaking to staff during the tour, McGeorge highlighted, that similar to RSPCA, Nature Park aims to protect PNG’s native animals and one stand both organisations are taking is discouraging the sale of native animals on the streets.
The RSPCA’s messages boom strong and loud through their posters telling people not to buy native animals. RSPCA administrator, Allan Illa said that the RSPCA is committed to promoting the policies of the PNG Government such as the Fauna Act which states it is illegal to catch and kill protected wildlife and penalties may apply.
“Many people are unaware that it is illegal to catch and sell native animals,” he said.
Both organisations are also committed to addressing the issue of animal welfare in the country and are currently looking at ways of creating awareness and educating the general public on proper animal care and general animal welfare.
RSPCA already has an education programme in place aimed at teaching pre-school children about general pet care whereby the education presenters travel to schools within NCD and do a presentation called the ‘Wantok Programme’ using Wantok the dog puppet.