KUALA LUMPUR: It’s a well-known fact that Malaysia’s Zoo Negara has been dealing with financial constraints due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many Malaysians have stepped up to support the local zoo in their own way, and made efforts to bring their kids there for visits and sign up for wildlife adoption packages – the latter being an initiative that has received encouraging responses so far.
However, some Malaysians fear that these efforts may not be enough to save the zoo.
One particular citizen, Angie Chin-Tan of HanaFundMe, a crowdfunding ecosystem designed to support women and deserving causes, was particularly disturbed by the distressing news of Zoo Negara’s financial state pasted all over social media.
She decided to take a trip down to Zoo Negara to see for herself how dire the situation is, and unfortunately, her worst fears were realised when she noticed a rather dilapidated-looking Children’s World.
Speaking to FMT, she listed down her observations, “The old benches are in clear need of a fresh coat of paint, there is no roof at the mini-stadium to protect children in case of rain, the animal pens look rather run down, there is no proper wash area or sensory area for the children, the kitchen is old and neglected and the tiles are so depressingly decrepit.”
Angie added that it wasn’t just the state of the Zoo Negara that moved her to take action.
“I have a soft spot for animals and let’s be honest, kids are often the ones who squeal with excitement at the very thought of visiting the zoo,” she said.
“That is why HanaFundMe would like to help Zoo Negara refurbish the Children’s World so families can make more wonderful memories there.”
With no time to waste, she enthusiastically launched herself into research and discovered that hospitals overseas would often practise a donor programme in order to build a new wing for the building.
“There would be a tree on the wall of the hospital, and on that tree and its branches, would be the names of donors. These donors wouldn’t necessarily be those who donated money but also those who have donated their organs,” said Angie, who said she immediately fell in love with the concept.
Hence, the birth of the ‘Walls of Hope’ initiative, which, according to Angie, will be known as tribute panels to honour the individuals who supported the campaign. The soon-to-be-constructed walls will be placed on the railings of the mini-stadium at Zoo Negara’s Children’s World.
Once these panels have been set up, parents can bring their kids and proudly tell stories about how their names went down in history – quite literally – complete with evidence.
And, most importantly, they can tell their children about how these panels signify the hard work and effort it took to restore the zoo’s Children’s World to its glory days.
But, for that to happen, a lot of work must be done.
“Our minimum target is to collect as many funds possible for Zoo Negara, which will go to the fixing, repairing, refurbishing and reconstruction of Children’s World.”
She also hopes to add more colour to Children’s World by placing rope bridges, a wheel of fortune, a washing area, a giant maze, a giant jigsaw puzzle and a sensory play area.
Previously, HanaFundMe has raised funds to supply PPE for the frontliners in Sabah and partnered up with local telco companies to sponsor 60 mobile devices complete with a GX68 postpaid plan to help school students catch up on their schoolwork.
No call for help is too minor for HanaFundMe, as it even aided in a street sweeper’s quest to purchase a new motorcycle when his was ruined beyond repair.
“The meaning of return is subjective, as helping others enriches me on a personal and spiritual level. Even a small amount of funds have somehow managed to make a difference to those who need it the most,” said Angie.
And now, both Angie and HanaFundMe will shift their focus to save Malaysia’s beloved Zoo Negara.
Malaysians can support HanaFundMe’s initiative to raise RM150,000 for Zoo Negara by contributing any amount. But for every RM100 donated, it will entitle either the parent or child to have their name etched on the ‘Walls of Hope’.
“We aim to set up the ‘Walls of Hope’ by March 2021, and we sincerely hope the public will support this initiative, not just for the animals but for the creation of a conducive space for children.”
For more information on the campaign and how you can help and save Zoo Negara, check out HanaFundMe’s page here.
After all, no dream is too big and no challenge is too great for Malaysians to band together and save the home of our endangered animals.