This project was inspired by the many deaths at Surabaya Zoo, Indonesia. The media called it "The Zoo Of Death" due to a string of unusual exotic animals deaths. The issue raised speculation that poor maintenance and upkeep of the animals had contributed to the deaths and a bitter debate was underway over who is responsible for the heavy death toll at the zoo over the past four years.
However, I wasn’t interested creating a work that is simply documentary. Instead of illustrating the issue regarding the treatment of the animals. When I visited the zoo, I wondered, what really happened there? and are all animals at Indonesian zoos in danger? The media said one thing, while the zoo spokesman and staffs said another thing. And I guess who can tell the truth of what really happened inside the zoo are the animals themselves. The only problem is that they don’t speak human language. I chose to create a portrait series for the ones who are still alive, portraying their expression as I'm curious of what people think these animal are trying to say when they see the photos for I believe they do speak and listen.
