5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Zoo Negara

Pique Your Curiosity At Animals Galore

Take a walk to the wild side and marvel at over 5137 animals from 476 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and birds. From the beautiful, majestic to downright bizarre; be amazed at animals that are uniquely different from the next. With their animated antics and charming personalities, you’re in for a visual treat.

The majestic tiger at Zoo Negara

Photo Credit: Trip Advisor Australia

Fun For The Whole Family

The perfect way to spend a day with your family; a visit to the zoo promises to be an eye opening experience for all. From watching monkeys swinging from tree to tree, turtles basking on logs to seals putting on an exuberant performance, there’s truly something for everyone.

A Gibbon Monkey at Zoo Negara

Photo Credit: Kipling Malaysia

Fosters Environmental Awareness

Visiting a zoo can help you gain a better understanding about the importance of caring for the environment and how it plays an important role on the welfare and lives of animals. Learn more about how different animals are taken care of and how conservation efforts are carried out. Visitors can also acquire insights at how each animal go about living their daily lives at the zoo with each exhibit.

A volunteer feeding a turtle at Zoo Negara

Photo Credit: The Rocket

Get A Hands-On Experience

Many zoos offer petting areas and Zoo Negara is no different! Interact with deers, goats and miniature horses to get an idea of how each animal behaves amidst their enclosures. Let your kids be entertained at the Children’s World where they can compare the size of an elephant’s foot and tooth or marvel at the shape of an emu’s egg. Visitors may also check out the Cave where the skulls of primates and different parts of animals are showcased.  

The Cave at the Children's World In Zoo Negara

Photo Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia

Great Value For Money

At a little under RM80 for foreigners or RM42 for Malaysians, going to Zoo Negara is an affordable experience for the whole family. From fishing at the zoo, witnessing the of creepy mannerisms of arachnids, pandas lazing about to feeding cute and furry animals; there’s never a shortage of picture perfect moments.

A panda spotted at Zoo Negara

Photo Credit: World of Buzz

 

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5 Endangered Animals At Zoo Negara That Deserve The Spotlight

Zoo Negara is more than just a home for hundreds of animal species, it’s also a conservation centre for endangered and vulnerable wildlife. Contrary to popular belief, not all zoos are unethical and cruel. Zoos take part in conservations efforts to improve and preserve any vulnerable wildlife. Take the giant panda, for instance. They were once classified as an endangered species, but with the help of sophisticated captive breeding programs, their numbers are increasing and they’ve been downgraded to vulnerable status instead.

Zoos play an important role in preserving biodiversity, on top of educating the public about these threatened species. One of Zoo Negara’s missions is the conservation of Malaysian wildlife.

Here are some of the amazing creatures you’ll have the opportunity to see when you’re at Malaysia’s National Zoo!

1. Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus)

Malayan Tapir at Zoo Negara, 2006 (Photo Credit: zoochat.com)

The Malayan Tapir is classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which means they’re at a high risk of extinction in the wild. Also known as the Asian or Malay Tapir, these Tapirs are threatened by habitat destruction in Thailand and Myanmar especially. However, the Malayan Tapir population in Malaysia and Southern Thailand are considered to be the largest and most resilient.

2. Orangutan (Sumatran – Pongo abelii & Borean – Pongo pygmaeus)

Orangutan at Zoo Negara, 2013 (Photo Credit: wikipedia.com)

Both species of orangutan at the zoo, the Bornean Orangutan and the Sumatran Orangutan, are classified as critically endangered animals. This means they’re facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Habitat degradation due to logging activities is one of the main reasons the orangutan population is declining. The IUCN reports that both these species are expected to suffer a population decline of more than 80% over a three-generation period, if the previously observed rate of decline continues.

3. Malaysian Giant Turtle (Orlitia borneensis)

Malaysian Giant Turtle (Photo Credit: wikipedia.com)

The Malaysian Giant Turtle is also called the Bornean River Turtle and they’re the largest freshwater turtle species in Southeast Asia. Large numbers of these turtles are being illegally traded in the East Asian food market for their meat despite official protection, leading to their decreasing population and endangered status.

4. Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis)

Siamese Crocodile in Bangkok (Photo Credit: Ben Dupon, flickr.com)

Here’s another critically endangered entry on our list – the Siamese Crocodile. In 1992, these crocodiles were believed to be “virtually extinct”, with their status recorded as critically endangered and remaining unchanged since 1996. One of the most endangered crocodile species out there, these crocodiles are under threat because they’re being hunted for their skin and their eggs are being collected illegally as well. Due to their smaller size, the Siamese Crocodiles are also in danger of being accidentally captured in fishing gear.

5. Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

Bengal Tiger (Photo Credit: wikipedia.com)

Perhaps one of the more well-known endangered animals is the Bengal Tiger. Although it’s the most abundant tiger species in Asia, their numbers are dwindling with fewer than 2,500 individuals. These tigers are at risk because of poaching and habitat fragmentation. The IUCN states that the Bengal Tigers are facing a population area decline of 50%, and will continue to decline unless conservation efforts are increased.

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5 Places You Can Grab A Quick Bite At Zoo Negara

A large expanse covering 110 acres of land, walking around Zoo Negara is bound to get your tummy rumbling. If you need to grab a quick bite to refuel, or just need to take a short break, here are a few food kiosks that’ll get you up and running again in no time!

Opps Café

Image for illustration purpose only (Photo Credit: sciencenews.org)

Already feeling hungry before you even enter the zoo? Not to worry, just stop by Opps Café, which is conveniently located by the Zoo Negara entrance and exit. Satisfy your hunger before you venture into a whole day of fun at the zoo! Those feeling hungry after a long day at the zoo can also pop by for a quick meal before going on your merry way!

 

The Wild Restaurant 

Image for illustration purpose only (Photo Credit: foxnews.com)

Located at the heart of the zoo, the Wild Restaurant is very much your typical fast food restaurant. From burgers, fries, nuggets to mashed potatoes, they have it all! If you’re feeling extra hungry, why not make it a Value Meal?  Quick, delicious, and affordable, what more could you ask for?

 

Mane Delicious

Image for illustration purpose only (Photo Credit: foodadvisor.my)

If you’re looking to cool off after a long day under the sun, we’ve got a tasty treat for you. Stop by Mane Delicious to get your fill of cooling and refreshing Malaysian desserts like Ais Kacang and Cendol. Guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!

 

Panda Cafe

Image for illustration purpose only (Photo Credit: my.asiatatler.com)

Are you a tourist looking to sample the local dishes? Or just craving Malaysian food? Then the Panda Cafe is the best place to go. Serving up mouthwatering dishes like nasi lemak, curry mee, and fried mee hoon, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you coming back for more. Not to mention, they also sell adorable panda-related food like lollipops and biscuits.

 

Hari Harimau Cafe & Savannah Cafeteria

Image for illustration purpose only (Photo Credit: potatorolls.com)

If you’re not feeling up for a full meal and just want to grab a quick snack to munch on, head over to the Hari Harimau Cafe & Savannah Cafeteria. Grab a delicious hotdog bun and go, or you can stay for dessert and treat yourself to a delicious waffle or kaya balls.

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5 Panda Facts

More than just a symbol of conservation, the giant panda also signifies diplomacy between China and other countries. These gentle and clumsy bears are well-loved all over the world. Can’t get enough of pandas? Here are 5 panda facts that will melt your heart.

 

1. Pandas are actually omnivores

Photo Credit: gardenofeaden.blogspot.com

Although bamboo shoots make up to 99% of their diet, pandas have been known to consume the occasional small animal and fish. It’s amazing how they’ve evolved from a carnivorous animal to almost exclusively eating bamboo shoots. Imagine eating the same food for most of your life – I’d get bored, wouldn’t you?

 

2. Pandas eat up to 12 to 38kg of bamboo shoots every day

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Zoo Negara reports that Xing Xing and Liang Liang themselves consume about 9–20kg of shoots every day. They spend about 12 to 16 hours a day eating. Despite eating so much bamboo, their gut is not equipped to digest these shoots as it doesn’t contain plant-degrading bacteria. It’s because of this, pandas defecate up to 40 times a day.

 

3. All pandas overseas are on loan from China

Panda on loan at Zoo Atlanta (Photo Credit: tripadvisor.com)

“Panda diplomacy” dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and is a symbol of diplomacy and friendly ties. Since 1984, China has begun loaning pandas to other nations for 1 million USD. Terms of the loan also include returning any panda cubs to China once they have matured. Based on 2014 figures, there are 49 pandas that live outside China in 18 different countries.

 

4. Female pandas are only fertile up to 3 days a year

It’s no wonder that Xing Xing and Liang Liang are such a conservation success story. Coupled with the fact that only 40% of male pandas exhibit sexual desire out of their natural habitat, it makes their story even more remarkable. If you want to catch a glimpse of the adorable panda cub in Zoo Negara, be sure to do it before it’s returned to China at 2 years old.

 

5.  Panda cubs weigh around 1/800th of their mother’s weight

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That’s approximately 100 grams! Compare this to a human baby which weighs 1/20th of their mother’s weight. Baby pandas also typically measure around 15cm – such small cubs for a giant bear. At 12 to 18 months, the cubs are ready to venture off on their own and fend for themselves.

 

Interested in visiting the giant pandas at Zoo Negara? Their viewing time is as follows:

Morning session – 11:00am–12:30pm

Afternoon session – 2:30pm-4:00pm

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Top 5 Reasons to Celebrate Your Birthday at Zoo Negara

Looking for a memorable way to celebrate your child’s birthday? Zoo Negara offers a unique and exciting birthday party experience for kids. It’s definitely unconventional, but it’s both fun and educational! If you’re feeling bold, host your party at the African Safari, or go to the lakeside if you prefer somewhere more tranquil. There’s even the cosy indoor amphitheatre and hall to choose from. Not convinced? Here’s five reasons that might change your mind.

1. Zoo Hunt

Photo Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia

A great way to kickstart the birthday party is with a zoo hunt! Organised by Zoo Negara themselves, it’s a great way to explore the zoo, while keeping the children’s excitement level up. Watch them as they race around the zoo in search for clues, learning and having fun at the same time!

2. Games and Singalong 

Photo Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia

Spread over 110 acres of land, there’s no shortage of space at Zoo Negara. If hunts and exploration aren’t your thing, you can conduct your own games and singalongs at the zoo. Nothing beats the classic games like musical chairs or pass the parcel. Prepare a playlist of your kid’s favourite songs and it’ll definitely be a hit! If you’re feeling peckish after all those activities, not to worry, the Wild Restaurant supplies kiddy food packages as well.

3. Animals!

Black & White Ruffed Lemur (Photo Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia)

If your kid is an animal lover, they’re in for a real treat. There’s over 400 different animal species, including birds, fish, insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Let’s not forget the various plant species that contribute to the stunning landscape of the zoo. Besides discovering all that nature has to offer, they’ll also learn about the ongoing conservation efforts at the zoo. Not sure where to begin? Check out our guide for zoo exhibits you don’t want to miss!

The zoo also has a section called Children’s World dedicated to the little ones. Here, they’ll be able to pet the deer, goats, and miniature horses. Enter the mini cave and discover various artefacts that will spark your kid’s curiosity – you’ll be surprised at how much they can learn!

4. Live Shows and Feeding

Photo Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia

Not only do you get to see the animals, you get to watch them in action too! There is no greater disappointment than going to see an animal, only to find them sleeping, or out of sight. Head down over to the animal show and they’ll be doing much more than just lying around. Animal shows are held daily at 11:00am and 3:00pm (3:30pm on Fridays).

Still hungry for more? Pay a visit to the Humboldt penguins at 11:00am and watch them dive for food during their feeding time. If that’s not enough, the Malaysian Elephants have a sweet tooth and they’ll definitely appreciate a sugarcane or two!

5. Special Photography Session

Photo Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia

One thing’s for sure, a birthday celebrated at the zoo is going to be unforgettable. The cherry on top is a memento from the zoo. Zoo Negara’s gift to your child is a special photography session with tame animals like Spotty the Python and Megat the Hornbill. It’s a unique photo opportunity that regular visitors don’t get. A picture is worth a thousand words, after all.

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10 Exciting Exhibits at Zoo Negara

Tucked away in a corner, the National Zoo of Malaysia is an underrated attraction. With more than 15 exhibits housing over 500 species of animals, there is just so much to cover! Tour our guide of Zoo Negara’s highlights to avoid missing out on the top exhibits at the zoo. 

Reptile House

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Ever wanted to get up close and personal with reptiles? Now you can at Zoo Negara’s Reptile House! It’s home to the saltwater crocodile, the largest species of crocodile in the world. You’ll find them relaxing in their pool – lying so still, you may not even be able to differentiate them and a floating log.

If that’s not your thing, then just head over to the tortoises and terrapins instead. You won’t miss the Aldabran tortoise, the second largest in the world. And what’s a reptile house without snakes? Complete with both venomous and non-venomous snakes, now’s your chance to observe their mesmerising scales in a safe environment.

Ape Centre

Chimpanzee (Photo Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia)

Surround yourself in the lush greenery of the ape centre and observe one of our closest relatives – the chimpanzee. Did you know that chimps have almost 98.8% of human DNA? If you spend time observing them, you’ll notice their human-like interactions with one another.

Not only that, you get to see two different species of orangutans, the Bornean and the Sumatran orangutans. The Ape Centre is also home to Katy and Manja, two retired performers from the animal show. Snap a photo and they might strike a pose for you!

Savannah Walk

Giraffes (Photo Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia)

The Savannah Walk features an open concept and is the largest in the zoo, very much like the vast and open plains of Africa. Animals like giraffes, white rhinoceroses, Sable antelopes and zebras roam freely and find themselves at home in the Savannah Walk. You’ll also find that this exhibit lacks trees and shade, something to truly mimic the Savannah experience, so be sure to bring a cap or put on sunblock on extra sunny days.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Aquarium

Photo Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia

Take a break from the outdoor exhibits and dive into one of the oldest public aquariums in Malaysia. Flow from the Upper Stream Zone to Mid Stream Zone, past the Wetlands Zone and finally, down to the Lower River Zone. Complete your experience with a visit to Peat Swamp Zone, Mangrove Zone and explore the depths of the ocean in the Marine Zone.

Learn all about aquatic flora and fauna, from the common, to the rare and endangered, including both sea and freshwater species. Observe these aquatic animals as they would behave in their natural environment, as these exhibits are landscaped to imitate their natural habitat.

Giant Panda Conservation Centre

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It’s easy to see why these giant pandas are the stars of the national zoo. With their gentle nature and slightly clumsy demeanor, Xing Xing and Liang Liang have captivated the hearts of the people. More than just a zoo exhibit, these pandas represent peace and China’s diplomatic relationship with Malaysia for the past 40 years.

If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the fluffy panda cub. Born in January 2018, this is the second panda cub from the pair in three years, making it a world record for pandas in captivity. This is a rare conservation success story you don’t want to miss!

Butterfly Garden

Photo Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia

Perhaps one of the more underrated exhibits at the zoo, the butterfly garden is filled with these magnificent and colourful pollinators. Observe them fluttering from flower to flower – you might even spot one drinking nectar! Bring a good camera and be very, very still to get some good close-up shots of these beauties. On top of that, Zoo Negara also has a Butterfly Project as part of their Nature Science Programme for Kids. Your kids will have fun and get exciting hands-on experience, it’ll definitely be more than they bargained for!

Bird Aviary

Photo Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia

Tour the Bird Aviary to hear the melodic chirping of the birds’ symphony. From the majestic peacock to the endangered milky stork, you’ll get to observe birds that are hard to come by in the wild. Spot the colourful birds perched atop a tree branch and take in the beauty Mother Nature has offered us.

Bear Complex

Malayan Sun Bear (Photo Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia)

Why should the pandas get all the spotlight? These bears deserve some love too! The Bear Complex holds three different bear species: the Malayan sun bear, the brown bear, and the Asiatic black bear. Watch them paddling in their little pool or just dozing under the sun. You can even pack your lunch and have a little picnic with these beary adorable creatures – just be sure to clean up after yourselves!

Mammal Kingdom

Photo Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia

Nothing beats visiting the good ol’ mammals at the zoo. Home to the ferocious leopards and adorable slow loris, the Mammal Kingdom houses a myriad of mammal species. You’ll find the largest rodent species, the capybara, as well as Malayan porcupines and striped hyenas.

Malaysian Elephants

Photo Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia

The Malaysian elephants Siti, Sibol, and Teriang are retired superstars from the elephant show. Originally form Pahang, these gentle creatures have been raised in the zoo since they were young. Brighten up their day by feeding this trio a sugarcane or a banana!

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