Yangon Zoo

Yangon Zoo stands as the oldest and second-largest zoological garden in Myanmar, situated immediately north of downtown Yangon. Originally conceived as a public donation project in connection with Phayre's Museum, construction at the current site near Kandawgyi Lake commenced in 1901. The zoological gardens were formally established as the Victoria Memorial Park and Zoological Gardens in honor of Queen Victoria, with the white elephant of King Thibaw being a significant initial attraction.

History and Development

The zoo's legal recognition was solidified with the passing of the Victoria Memorial Park and Zoological Gardens Act in 1908. It experienced vandalism during World War II. In 1951, the government renamed it "Rangoon Zoological Gardens and Parks." The zoo's footprint expanded significantly in 1962 to its current size of approximately 69.25 acres. Subsequent additions enhanced its offerings, including a museum of natural history inaugurated on May 4, 1966, an amusement park on October 7, 1997, and an aquarium on October 1, 1998. The aquarium is managed by the Department of Fisheries.

Attractions and Collection

Yangon Zoo currently houses a diverse collection, including 145 species of land animals, with notable endangered species such as the tiger, takin, Asian elephant, Burmese large tortoise, great hornbill, marsh crocodile, and Eld's deer. In 2000, the zoo's land animal population was recorded at 1203, decreasing to 1100 by 2006. Beyond its fauna, the zoo boasts extensive flora, with over 300 species totaling more than 15,000 plants noted in 2000. The Natural History Museum showcases taxidermy specimens, particularly rare Burmese fauna. Animal performance shows are held on weekends and public holidays during the fall and summer seasons. The aquarium, opened in 1998, is recognized as the country's first large-scale aquarium.

Operations and Visitor Information

The zoo was managed by the Forest Department under the Ministry of Forestry until April 2011, after which a private firm took over its operation. Between 2003 and 2006, a renovation program costing MMK600 million (approximately US$600,000) was undertaken, leading to an increase in visitor numbers from 1.1 million in 2003-2004 to 2.2 million in 2005-2006. Yangon Zoo is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. In February 2008, a substantial number of animals, including elephants, monkeys, rhinos, and bears, were relocated to the Naypyidaw Zoo.