The Animals That Call Melaka Zoo Their Home

I have been to Melaka several times but the zoo has been rather elusive. Somehow, despite my love for animals, I just never found the opportunity to make a visit, until a few weeks ago. Therefore, when I learnt about my forthcoming outing to the zoo, I was enthusiastic, like a kid.

I have a revelation to make, though. Upon my arrival, I had thought that this was a modest zoo that I could explore in an hour. How wrong! I spent more than two hours at the zoo and there were still more attractions to be discovered!

Oh boy, how I had underestimated Melaka Zoo. Indeed, it is true that we should never judge a book by its cover. In this instance, by its frontage.

Did you know that Melaka Zoo is actually the second largest zoo in Malaysia? Ha… bet you didn’t! Established in 1963 by the Melaka State Government, it was privatised in 2013 and since then, spots a new name of Melaka Zoo and Night Safari.

The privatisation exercise saw the zoo transform to an open concept in animal exhibits; in large, green and spacious enclosures, to ensure they have ample space to roam about.

Additionally, Melaka Zoo has developed beyond a place to watch animals or a recreational area. Programmes to enhance wildlife education, animal breeding and conservation are being conducted, for the purpose to reproduce, protect and exhibit animals, plants, and their habitats.

It is a whole new wildlife discovery, with knowledge to take home for visitors, whether they are pre-schoolers, university students or adults.

Meanwhile, the popular Night Safari is available on Fridays, Saturdays, eve of public holidays and school holidays from 8pm until 11pm. Unlike the day time zoo, the Night Safari provides visitors with a unique chance to observe the behaviour of nocturnal animals in their natural habitats.

I would love to visit the Night Safari one day, but from my experience visiting the Taiping Zoo Night Safari, I won’t have any photos to share. It’s just impossible to take photos of the animals in the dark of the night, as flash is disallowed.

It’s all right. This was my daytime visit. Therefore, I am able to share some photos of the zoo’s residents, from birds to rabbits, giraffes, lion, and more.

When the sun got hotter, though, the animals went into hiding. Hah! Smart of them! This means that I need to make a second visit in order to see the primates.

To make your zoo visit more interactive, I suggest to plan your outing to coincide with feeding times, bird shows and keeper talk. That would be very entertaining and interesting for photography or videography, too.

Have you been to Melaka Zoo & Night Safari yet? If not, you ought to plan a visit. There’s so much to learn and discover, and if you wish, get involved by adopting an animal, participating in a CSR initiative or be a volunteer.

Melaka Zoo & Night Safari
Add: Jalan Hang Tuah Jaya, Ayer Keroh, 75450 Melaka.
Tel: 1300 22 3000 / +606 232 4054
Fax: +606-232 5859
Email: info@melakazoo.com

Note: View larger images by clicking on an image once this page has completely loaded. Then navigate by clicking on the right or left side of image.