Zoo Melaka is a 54-acre (approximately 21.22 ha) zoological park located beside Lebuh Ayer Keroh in Malacca. Zoo Melaka has progressed rapidly and become the second biggest zoo in the country, behind the National Zoo of Malaysia (Zoo Negara). Zoo Melaka records more than 400 000 visitors annually and more than half of the visitors are from Melaka and the neighbouring states.
The number of exhibits have increased significantly since 1979. At present, there are a total of over 1200 specimen made up of 215 different species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians in the zoo. The major attractions in Zoo Melaka are the critically endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros, Malayan Sun Bear, Malayan Gaur Oxen, Serow and the Malayan Tiger. In line with the current zoo development, Zoo Melaka adopted an “open concept” and maintains the natural green environment.
Zoo Melaka was established in 1963, along with the National Zoo of Malaysia (Zoo Negara), the management of Zoo Melaka was later taken over by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Malaysia in 1979. Previously used as a wildlife rescue base, Zoo Melaka was was opened to the public, officiated by the then Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohammad on 13 August 1987.
Zoo Melaka is also a member of the South-East Asian Zoological Park Association (SEAZA). Zoo Melaka is as a centre for wildlife research, conservation breeding, zoo education center and a popular tourist recreation destination. In order to achieve its goal, the four major functions of Zoo Melaka are as follows:
- Wildlife research
Research works carried out emphasized on medical research / treatment and behavioral studies. Zoo Melaka also provides support for researchers from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Malaysia and other higher learning institutions.
- Captive Breeding
Zoo Melaka functions as the major ex-situ breeding center for the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Malaysia. In this programme, breeding stock, especially the local threatened species are sourced for breeding in the zoo. Successfully bred species includes tiger, panther, tapir, serow, barking deer, sambar deer and many others. Among the popular breed is the Malayan Tiger (Panthera Tigris Malayenis). Since the Malayan Tiger was found as a tiger sub-species, the zoo had raised over 40 tiger cubs and sent them to various types of places. Besides that, Zoo Melaka is also been used as a captured animal sanctuary for a temporary time until it is sent locally or abroad.
- Education
The education programme is designed to create awareness to the general public on wildlife and its conservation. Among the education activities available are lectures, video shows, publication of printed material and signage posted at all exhibits in Zoo Melaka.
- Recreation
Zoo Melaka provides affordable recreation opportunities. Often, promotions were carried out to attract more visitors and contributing toward the development of national tourism industry.
Attractions
Some other attractions of Melaka Zoo are as follows:
- Mini Safari
- In the mini safari expanded over an area of one and a half hectares, visitors can view the animals from a closer perspective while walking on a raised platform. This mini safari is beautifully landscaped by the National Parks and Wildlife Department.
- Zoology Museum
- Zoology Museum focus on preserved animals, animals breeding process and information of surrounding animals.
- Big Cats Complex
- You will have an opportunity to look at the big cat closer through a glass panel or over and “Open Concept” water barrier.
- Reptile House
- Reptile House exhibits the World’s Largest Snake Species: Anaconda, the World’s Longest Snake: the Reticulated Pyhton of Malaysia and other species of reptiles.
- Multi Animals Show
- Showtime on Monday – Thursday: 11.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
- Showtime on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: 10.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m.
- Interaction with Elephant
- Personalized photo with elephant using personal camera for a small fee of RM 2.00
- Elephant feeding is available for a small fee of RM 2.00
- Available everyday (11.00 am – 12.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.)
- Elephant/Pony Rides
- Available on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays only (10.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.)
- Each ride cost RM2.00 for adult and RM1.00 for children
- “Free-Ranging” Orang Utan
- Available on Monday to Sunday except Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.)
- Tram Ride
- Each ride cost RM2.00 for adult and RM1.00 for children
- Night Zoo
- One can observe the night activities of animals in Zoo Melaka. The feeling of Night Zoo is totally different from the Day Zoo as some animals such as wild cats, tigers, leopard and other animals are more active at night. All the visitors will be accompanied by the guided tram of the Melaka Zoo.
- Night Fishing
- Only open during weekends and eve public holiday. For RM30.00 per person, the fee is inclusive of admission to the zoo and one fishing rod.
Sponsor
The Melaka Zoo Adoption Scheme provides opportunity for individuals, private companies and corporate bodies to sponsor wildlife species in the zoo. The sponsorship will help support the cost of maintaining the animals. All sponsorship will be deposited into the Melaka Zoo Trust Fund which is managed by the zoo. Proceed from this trust fund will be used to pay for additional food for the animals, medication, enclosure improvement and modification. Click here to view the various privilege afforded to sponsors.
Location
Address: Lebuh Ayer Keroh, 75450 Ayer Keroh
GPS Coordinate: N 2.27919, E 102.302719
Operation Hour
Day Zoo
Open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Night Zoo
Open on Friday, Saturday, Eve of Public Holiday and School Holidays from 8.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m.
Admission Fee
Day Zoo
Adult – RM7.00
Child (5 – 12 years old) – RM4.00
Student with uniform – RM2.00
Video camera – RM10.00
Night Zoo
Adult – RM10.00
Child – RM5.00
The above entrance fee for Night Zoo is inclusive of a guided tram ride. Note that no camera, video camera or torch light are allowed.
Special package price is also available for Day Zoo and Night Zoo (for write-in only).
Contact Details
Zoo Melaka
Ayer Keroh,
75450 Melaka
Tel : +606-232 4053/ 4054
Faks: +606-232 5859
Email: info@zoomelaka.gov.my
For more information, please visit www.zoomelaka.gov.my. However, the website is currently offline due to unknown reason.
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