Nature Blogger logoNature Blogger

Malacca Zoo

Malacca Zoo, also known as the Melaka Zoo and Night Safari, is a 54-acre zoological park in Ayer Keroh, Malacca, Malaysia. It serves as a rescue base and animal sanctuary, housing over 1200 animals from 215 species. Established in 1963, it was the first zoo in Malaysia to exhibit hedgehogs and is recognized as the second-largest zoo in the country.

Key Facts

  • Established in 1963.
  • Covers an area of 54 acres (22 ha).
  • Home to over 1200 animals.
  • Features 215 species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
  • Located in Ayer Keroh, Malacca, Malaysia.
  • Operates a Night Zoo attraction.
Malacca Zoo
Founding Year
1963
Area Acres
54
Number Of Animals
1200
Number Of Species
215
Notable Exhibits

Night Zoo

Location City
Ayer Keroh
Notable Animals

African Spurred Tortoises, White Rhinoceroses, Asian Elephants, Red Pandas, Malaysian Gaur, Serows, Squirrel Monkeys, Molurus Pythons, Grey Wolves, Mongolian Wild Horses, Green Tree Pythons, Iguanas, Common Marmosets, Scarlet Macaws, Slow Lorises, Common Hill Mynas, Fennec Foxes, Indian Muntjac, Capybaras, Malayan Tapirs, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Peafowl, Common Emerald Doves, Crowned Pigeons, Plains Zebras, Rothschild's Giraffe, Sambar Deer, Lechwe, Waterbuck, Ankole Cattle, Banteng, Nilgai, Ostriches, Emus, Southern Cassowaries, Sri Lankan Leopards, Black Panthers, White Lions, Asian Small-Clawed Otters, False Gharials, Saltwater Crocodiles, Rhinoceros Hornbills, Moluccan Cockatoos, Servals, Eurasian Lynxes, Leopard Cats, Binturongs, Siamang Gibbons, Spider Monkeys, White Handed Gibbons, Bornean Orangutans, Sun Bears, Mandrills, Chimpanzees, Ring-Tailed Lemurs, Brown Lemurs, Alligator Snapping Turtles, Burmese Pythons, Buffy Fish Owls, Wallabies, Blue-and-Yellow Macaws, Barred Eagle Owls, Spotted Wood Owls, Indochinese Tigers, Malayan Tigers

Conservation Programs

Animal Sanctuary, Rescue Base

About Malacca Zoo

Malacca Zoo, officially known as the Melaka Zoo and Night Safari, is a significant zoological park located in Ayer Keroh, Malacca, Malaysia. Established in 1963, it holds the distinction of being the second-largest zoo in Malaysia, following the National Zoo of Malaysia, which was also founded in the same year. The zoo occupies a substantial area of 54 acres (22 ha) and serves a dual purpose as both a rescue base for wildlife and a dedicated animal sanctuary.

History and Management

Originally under the ownership of the Malacca State Government, the management of Malacca Zoo was transferred to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Malaysia in 1979. The park was officially opened to the public by the then Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, on August 13, 1987. This marked a new era for the zoo, allowing public access and engagement with its diverse collection.

Animal Collection

The zoo is home to a considerable collection of animals, numbering over 1200 individuals. These animals represent a broad spectrum of biodiversity, encompassing 215 species that include birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Malacca Zoo was notably the first zoo in Malaysia to exhibit hedgehogs. Its inhabitants feature a mix of local and foreign species, such as African spurred tortoises, white rhinoceroses, Asian elephants, red pandas, Malayan tapirs, Rothschild's giraffes, various deer species, ostriches, emus, southern cassowaries, Sri Lankan leopards, black panthers, white lions, siamang gibbons, Bornean orangutans, sun bears, mandrills, chimpanzees, and numerous others, including both Indochinese and Malayan tigers.

Attractions and Facilities

Beyond its extensive animal exhibits, Malacca Zoo offers several attractions designed to enhance the visitor experience. These include a mini safari, a multi-animal show, and an elephant show. For interactive experiences, the zoo provides elephant and horse rides. A souvenir shop is situated at the exit, and a unique Night Zoo attraction allows visitors to experience the park after dark. The zoo is situated beside the Ayer Keroh Highway (Federal Route 143), also known as Tun Abdul Razak Road.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Malacca Zoo established?

Malacca Zoo was established in 1963. It was the second-largest zoo in Malaysia to be founded in that year, following the National Zoo of Malaysia.

What is the size of Malacca Zoo?

Malacca Zoo spans 54 acres, which is equivalent to 22 hectares. This makes it the second-largest zoo in Malaysia.

How many animals and species are at Malacca Zoo?

The zoo hosts over 1200 individual animals. These animals represent 215 different species, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

What are some notable attractions at Malacca Zoo?

Attractions at Malacca Zoo include a mini safari, a multi-animal show, and an elephant show. Visitors can also enjoy elephant and horse rides and a Night Zoo experience.

What is the history of Malacca Zoo's management?

Initially owned by the Malacca State Government, the zoo's management was taken over by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Malaysia in 1979. It was officially opened to the public on August 13, 1987.