06/02/2006
- The Australian Minister for the Environment and Heritage,
Senator Ian Campbell, today welcomed a final determination
by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, allowing the importation
of eight Asian Elephants to Taronga and Melbourne Zoos.
In July 2005 the Minister approved an application from the
zoos to import eight Asian Elephants, following a comprehensive
assessment of the application under the Environment Protection
and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
“I welcome the AAT’s decision, including the requirement
for the zoos to provide me with an assurance that they will
meet additional conditions relating to housing the elephants,”
Senator Campbell said.
“Today’s decision is not only good news for the future of
the zoos' breeding programme, it is great news for efforts
to ensure the survival of the species.”
With fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants remaining in the
wild, a number of activities - including increased urban
development, habitat loss and poaching - threaten the existence
of the species, particularly in south east Asia.
“The key priority now is to make this breeding programme
work for these magnificent animals and I encourage all parties
to support the Tribunal’s decision and work towards the
common goal of conserving the Asian elephant," Senator
Campbell said. |
