KUALA LUMPUR:UEM Edgenta Berhad (UEM Edgenta) is sponsoring a pair of giraffes named ‘Mas Boy’ and ‘Mas Kira’ through the Adopt an Animal programme organised by Zoo Negara.

UEM Edgenta, in a statement yesterday, said its commitment to the programme was in line with the company’s objectives of supporting its main stakeholders, such as Zoo Negara which is badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, through its positive and high-impact community development activities.

UEM Edgenta managing director and chief executive officer Syahrunizam Samsudin said it was delighted to be able to play the role as a responsible corporate citizen to assist Zoo Negara by sponsoring a pair of “cute giraffes”.

“This initiative can expand our commitment in efforts towards sustainability and promoting good environmental, social and governance practices with strategic partners such as Zoo Negara.

“UEM Edgenta hopes more organisations and individuals will come forward to help Zoo Negara in ensuring the well-being and welfare of these animals,” he said.

UEM Edgenta said the giraffes, from the ‘Nubia’ species or Giraffa Camelopardalis, have been categorised as one out of nine endangered sub-species in the world.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the population of wild giraffes had dwindled by 40 per cent in the last three decades, with fewer than 100,000 giraffes left at present.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Zoological Society deputy president Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana thanked UEM Edgenta for giving its sincere and strong support for the well-being of the giraffes, besides assisting Zoo Negara through its high-impact programmes.

“We welcome more contributions from corporate entities and the public during this COVID-19 pandemic period. The contributions will be used to provide care for our animals in the zoo,” he said.

-- BERNAMA