National Zoo of Malaysia

The National Zoo (Malay: Zoo Negara) is a Malaysian zoo. It is located on 110 acres of land in Ulu Klang, Gombak District, Selangor. The zoo opened on November 14, 1963. It was opened by the country's first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.

The zoo is run by a non-governmental organization called the Malaysian Zoological Society.

The zoo has many animals from many species. In 2007, it got a special award for its work. The zoo is part of the South East Asian Zoos Association (SEAZA). The current leader of the zoo is Y. Bhg. Dato' Ismail Hutson.

History

In 1957, a small zoo opened by an organization called MAHA. The idea to build a bigger zoo grew, and the government chose a place in Ulu Klang near Kuala Lumpur. In those days, Ulu Klang was a quiet green area. In 1963, the first prime minister of Malaysia, _Yang Teramat Mulia (_YTM) Tunku Abdul Rahman, opened the zoo for visitors. It was called the “Zoo in the Jungle” because of the tall plants around it.

The zoo had its one millionth visitor in 1966. By 1986, over a million people visited every year. As Kuala Lumpur grew fast, plans were made to build many homes near Ulu Klang. This caused some worry about the animals' home. Later, some people wanted to move the zoo, but most did not agree. With help from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Government of Selangor, the zoo stayed where it was.

Exhibits

The National Zoo of Malaysia has 16 different exhibits where you can see many interesting animals.

The Reptile Park has both indoor and outdoor areas. You can see crocodiles like saltwater crocodiles and spectacled caimans, as well as tortoises such as the big Aldabra giant tortoises. There are also many snakes, including reticulated pythons and king cobras. The Amphibian World Center shows frogs and toads from Malaysia.

In 2014, the zoo opened a Giant Panda Conservation Centre. Two pandas named Xing Xing and Liang Liang were on display, and later, their baby pandas Yi Yi and Nuan Nuan were also shown.

The zoo has three Asian elephants named Siti, Sibol, and Teriang. You can also see birds like black-headed ibis and storm's storks in the Lake Birds area, and many types of birds from around the world in the Bird Aviary.

Other exhibits include nocturnal animals like fruit bats, Australian animals such as emus, and penguins. Children's World has domestic animals like goats and rabbits that kids can interact with. There are also areas for bears, giraffes, hippos, big cats, apes, and even an insect zoo with butterflies and scorpions.

Other attractions

The zoo has fun shows with sea lions, macaques, and macaws. These shows happen twice a day. On weekends, you can take train rides and go on guided tours. In the middle of the zoo, there is a Mini Bee Museum. Here, you can learn about different kinds of bees and buy honey.

Near the zoo's main entrance, there is a Multi-Animal Photo Corner. It is open on weekends. Visitors can take pictures with snakes, tiny horses, and birds.

Conservation

Zoo Negara has helped more than 200 milky storks birds that were in danger. The zoo works with the local Wildlife Department to help these birds live in the wild again. The zoo has also raised other special animals, like hornbills and false gharials.