Being located in Ulu Klang, near Taman Melawati, the National Zoo of Malaysia is a wonderful tourist destination in the country. It covers an area of around 110-acre of land and is only at a distance of 5 kilometers from the city center. The zoo was officially opened to the public on 14th November 1963 and it is known to be the first ever National Zoo in Malaysia. After passing over a long time, the zoo has been developed on the modern open concept zoo keeping more than 90% of its animals in spacious captives. These captives are very much alike their natural habitat.
The zoo authority is trying their best to abolish the concept of zoo and to transform the entire area into a natural park. The zoo is better known as Zoo Negara Malaysia, and is maintained by the Malaysian Zoological Society. Basically the society is a non-governmental organization set to develop the first local zoo for Malaysians. Presently the zoo has earned high reputation all over the world for transforming into a matured zoo. More than 5137 specimen from 476 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish are found here. Most of the animals are found here locally. So, if you are interested enough to know about the indigenous animals of Malaysia, you must visit this wonderful zoo at least once. The zoo also houses a famous aquarium named Tunku Abdul Rahman Aquarium. It accommodates more than 130 species of aquatic creatures to exhibit including both marine and freshwater creatures.
Other than displaying splendid creatures of all shapes and sizes, the zoo has got prominence for its backdrop. The zoo is also famous for education, conservation, recreation, and research. The walking trail around the zoo are especially planned to offer the viewers an incredible chance to spot lush green landscape along with planned view to witness the activities of the animals in their natural habitat. The picturesque landscape of the zoo is breath taking and it attracts tourists including the kids. Other more eye catching exhibits are the gibbons, orang utans, and the Sumatran tigers.
Scheduled performances can be enjoyed at the amphitheatre. The performances become attractive as these are especially some shows by sea lions, orang utans, and elephants. Children can go on special rides like on horse, camel, or elephant at the zoo.