Wild animals have always been a controversial topic in China. In Nanjing, the close proximity of the Hongshan Zoo extension to housing has provoked outcry from local residents. Among their worries; noise, smell and coronavirus.
The real estate company’s propaganda effort went, “Just a wall away from Hongshan Zoo; enjoy the beautiful scenery while standing at home”. However, residents “over the wall” have no intention of appreciating the scenery.
In addition to disturbance posed by animal odour or noise, there is much concern among residents that wild animals may also carry viruses. The coronavirus situation has only made them more nervous.
Hongshan Zoo has stated that some residents are overly concerned, emphasising that the zoo is not a source of infectious diseases, while its daily management, disinfection and epidemic prevention relating to animals is a standardised procedure.
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Minister of Publicity and Education at Hongshan Zoo, Bai Yali, said, “The zoo is responsible for science, education, and other functions. It exists in a city, and its value is to serve all citizens, not just the interests of a few people”.
Phoenix Mountain Village is the residential community which will soon find itself just 20 metres from some of Hongshan Zoo’s captive wildlife.
Completed in 2013, Phoenix Mountain Village comprises 20 buildings. A Mr. Yang lives in a villa in building 9. On 30 March, Yang showed reporters from The Paper the view looking west from his third floor balcony.
The large pit for the foundations of the zoo’s extension was clearly visible across the wall. Workers had moved construction materials to the edges of the pit and seemed to be preparing to pour concrete.
“It’s so close, it’s almost seamless”, Yang said.
On paper, the zoo has done nothing wrong. The project was approved by the Municipal Development and Reform Commission in 2017 and is not in violation of any regulation.
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The zoo has also stressed that the new enclosure “over the wall” will be of an exhibition variety, showcasing only birds and small primates. No breeding shall be taking place, in accordance with the Animal Epidemic Prevention Law that states there shall be no less than 500 metres between animal breeding sites and population-intensive areas.
Residents of Phoenix Mountain Village believe they have a case, however, related to planning permission. They argue that the zoo should have considered the safe distance of new animal enclosures to the maximum extent, and that it has instead laid the groundwork for friction between the two sides.
For comment, journalists called the Nanjing Planning and Natural Resources Bureau and were told to leave their contact information and wait for a call. At time of publication, no response had been received.
Making matters worse somewhat, Minister Bai also commented, “It is no longer necessary to argue. … The situation is irreversible. Everyone, both zoo and community residents, should be considerate and understanding of each other”.
