Surabaya zoo in transition: Management practice from colonial to the independence ERA

Abstract

The Surabaya Zoo has undergone a long, challenging journey that has shaped its future. This article examines the dynamics of Surabaya Zoo management during the colonial and post-colonial eras, focusing on the changes in management and their impacts on the zoo's condition, animal welfare, and tourism. This study answers three main questions: (1) What was the condition of Surabaya Zoo during those eras? (2) How did its management develop? (3) How did management changes impact animal collections, animal protection, and tourist attractions? Using historical methods that include heuristics, criticism, interpretation, and historiography, as well as management change theory, this study found that the management of Surabaya Zoo was initially under the Surabaya Flora and Fauna Park Association before being taken over by the Surabaya City Government as a Regional Company. This change had a significant impact, particularly in improving animal welfare and restoring tourist attractions after a previous period marked by numerous animal deaths due to internal management issues, which drew national and international concerns.