Gembira Loka Zoo
Gembira Loka Zoo, located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is a zoological garden established in 1956. It features a diverse collection of Indonesian and African animals, alongside botanical gardens, an artificial lake, and scenic bridges, making it a significant attraction for visitors interested in wildlife and nature.
Key Facts
- ›Established in 1956.
- ›Covers an area of 54 acres.
- ›Houses approximately 470 animals.
- ›Notable for its collection of Indonesian tigers, Komodo dragons, orangutans, and African lions.
- ›Features a dedicated aquarium and a petting zoo.
- ›Includes a 'Scratch Zone' focusing on mammalian carnivores.
Primate Zone, Petting Zoo, Aquarium, Reptile and Amphibian Park, Bird Park, Carnivora Zone, Squirrel Exhibits, Herbivore Exhibits, Elephant Interaction Area, Orangutan and Chimpanzee Island
Sumatran Tigers, Javan Leopards, Komodo Dragons, Saltwater Crocodiles, Orangutans, Gibbons, Lions, Camels, Hippopotamus, African Penguins, Lesser Flamingos, Chinese Giant Salamander, Sumatran Elephants
About Gembira Loka Zoo
Gembira Loka Zoo is a zoological garden situated in Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Opened in 1956, it spans 54 acres and features a diverse collection of approximately 470 animals, with a notable presence of native Indonesian species alongside animals from Africa.
Key Features and Collections
The zoo is designed to offer a comprehensive visitor experience, incorporating not only animal exhibits but also a botanical garden, an orchid nursery, an artificial lake, and a children's park. Scenic bridges cross the Gajahwong River, adding to the park's natural appeal. The animal collection highlights Indonesian wildlife such as Sumatran tigers, leopards, Komodo dragons, saltwater crocodiles, orangutans, and gibbons. Complementing these are African species including lions, camels, and hippopotamuses.
Dedicated Zones and Exhibits
Gembira Loka Zoo is organized into several distinct zones to showcase different animal groups. The Primate Zone hosts a variety of monkeys and apes, while the Petting Zoo allows for direct interaction with domesticated animals. An Aquarium features freshwater species, and a Reptile and Amphibian Park houses a range of cold-blooded creatures. The Bird Park is home to both water birds and birds of prey. A significant addition is the 'Zona Cakar' or 'Scratch Zone,' opened in 2019, which concentrates on mammalian carnivores, particularly big cats.
Animal Interactions and Diversity
Beyond observation, the zoo provides opportunities for visitor engagement, such as feeding the Sumatran elephants and interacting with animals in the petting zoo. The zoo also receives animals through trade and gifts, as evidenced by the African penguins from Singapore Zoo and lesser flamingos from Tanzania. The diverse exhibits aim to represent a broad spectrum of the animal kingdom, offering educational and recreational value to its visitors.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What animals can I see at Gembira Loka Zoo?
Gembira Loka Zoo houses a wide variety of animals, including native Indonesian species like Sumatran tigers, Javan leopards, Komodo dragons, orangutans, and gibbons. It also features African animals such as lions, camels, and hippopotamuses, as well as various primates, reptiles, birds, and aquatic life.
Does Gembira Loka Zoo have an aquarium?
Yes, Gembira Loka Zoo has an aquarium that displays a range of freshwater fish species, including Chinese giant salamanders, peacock bass, and red-bellied piranhas. There is also a separate large freshwater tank featuring pirarucu and alligator gars.
What is the 'Scratch Zone' at Gembira Loka Zoo?
The 'Scratch Zone,' opened in 2019, is an area within Gembira Loka Zoo specifically dedicated to mammalian carnivores, with a particular focus on cat species. This zone allows visitors to observe animals like Sumatran tigers and Javan leopards.
Can visitors interact with animals at Gembira Loka Zoo?
Yes, Gembira Loka Zoo offers opportunities for visitor interaction. There is a petting zoo where visitors can feed and interact with domesticated animals, and visitors can also interact with and feed the zoo's Sumatran elephants.
What are some of the bird species at Gembira Loka Zoo?
The Bird Park at Gembira Loka Zoo houses various water birds, including African penguins, lesser flamingos, and Australian pelicans. It also features aviaries with native birds of prey such as white-bellied sea eagles and barred eagle-owls.
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