Thursday, February 10, 2011



About Us


HISTORY


Zoo Melaka was originally established by the Melaka State Government in 1963 atop 54 acres (21.2 ha) in Ayer Keroh as a fledgling tourist destination.


In 1979, management of Zoo Melaka was transferred to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) and officially opened to the public by previous Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on 13th August 1987. Since then, the Zoo has become a member of the South-East Asian Zoological Park Association (SEAZA) and an active member of the Malaysian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (MAZPA).


Located approximately 13 km from Melaka city center, the Zoo progressed rapidly to become the second largest zoological park in the country. It was the first Zoo in the region, for example, to exhibit the critically endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros and Gaur. The Zoo is also renowned around the world for its Malayan Tiger captive breeding program. In tandem with global trends, Zoo Melaka has also adopted a more “Open Zoo” concept with its newer exhibits as it continuously upgrades its exhibits.


The Zoo currently features a handsome collection of more than 1,200 animals from the world over. Representing more than 200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.


VISION
To excel in terms of wildlife management and conservation, which will contribute towards conserving the nation’s biodiversity, and a product of eco-tourism.


MISSION
To lead ex-situ wildlife conservation program hence, to be an excellent reference center (in terms of zoo management) in the region.


OBJECTIVE

1. To promote wildlife captive breeding programs, especially endangered endemic species.

2. To offer facilities for wildlife conservation research programmers.

3. To create public awareness over the need for wildlife conservation.

4. To offer recreational facilities for the general public.


Zoo Melaka also functions as a center for wildlife research, conservation breeding, zoo education center and a popular tourist destination along the following areas:


Captive Breeding – Zoo Melaka functions as the major ex-situ breeding center for PERHILITAN. In this program, breeding stocks, especially the locally threatened species have been bred in captivity. These species include the tiger, panther, tapir, serow, barking deer, sambar deer and many others.


Research - Research carried out also emphasized medical research/treatment and behavioural studies. Zoo Melaka also provides support for other researchers from PERHILITAN and other institutions of higher learning.


Education - The program is designed to create awareness amongst the general public on wildlife and conservation. Among activities organized are lectures, video presentations, publication of printed material and signage posted at all exhibits in the zoo.


Recreation – Zoo Melaka also provides an inexpensive recreation activity for local tourists. Promotions have been carried out to attract more visitors and hence generate more revenue towards the welfare of the animals and the development of a highly popular tourist destination



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