Kids and adults alike love visiting the zoo. It’s not only the epicentre of animals showing their cute stunts or just lying around on the bed of grass. Zoos are known to be the hub of knowledge and perseverance, especially if it has been operating for a long time. There are many things to explore in it, and many knowledge-thirsters enjoy the experience of learning about different and rare species.
Zoo Negara, or National Zoo, was opened on 14 November 1963. Malaysia Zoological Society manages the zoo, which is a non-governmental organisation created to introduce the first local zoo in the country.
Picture: Waterco
Their vision is to be one of the world’s premier zoological parks and aquaria conservation, recreation, education, training and research centre for various animal and plant species.
However, are they still adhering to the organisation’s initial purposes?
National Zoo makes a 360 turn (in a rather negative way)
A Twitter thread by Norman Goh (@imnormgoh) highlighted some of the concerns regarding the state of Malaysia’s zoos.
After working for almost a decade in Kuala Lumpur, this was my first time visiting the National Zoo or Zoo Negara near Gombak.
It was really packed a day after Christmas and in the midst of the school holidays, it is expected. However, I left with mix feelings, disappointment. pic.twitter.com/F58o6RBkDt
— Norman Goh (@imnormgoh) December 26, 2022
The Aquarium
Picture: Twitter Norman Goh
According to Norman, the aquarium should have been given more priority. It is under-invested, and exhibits are not as impressive. Quoting Norman, he said the aquarium “feels like the 80s and 90s”.
Poor civic-mindedness
We can safely say the downfall of the National Zoo is the poor civic-mindedness of Malaysians. Many aren’t keen on the ‘no littering’ or ‘do not feed the animals’ sign.
There’s a reason to prohibit visitors from feeding the animals. As some food could be harmful to them, utensils like plastic straws are also dangerous.
For example, Norman saw a man throwing straw at a stump-tailed macaque. The macaque chewed the straw before he could remove it. Can you imagine the danger it caused the animal?
Picture: Twitter Norman Goh
The environment is no longer suitable for these animals to dwell in
National Zoo was once Malaysia’s pride. However, judging from the state it is in now, there are many better zoos out there.
And sadly, some animals weren’t in their best condition when Norman visited.
A lost potential
Our zoo has so much to offer. If there’s more effort for maintenance, we can be on par with other famous zoos in the world, like Singapore Zoo, Safari World and others.
We hope the responsible authorities can take action concerning the state of our zoo. Also, the public should be aware of the do’s and don’ts while visiting. Change begins with us. We can make a difference.
Sources: Twitter Norman Goh, Website Zoo Negara
