Negara Zoo in Kuala Lumpur

Posted by admin on May 4th, 2009 filed in Travel

The Negara Zoo in Kuala Lumpur was once set in the middle of the jungle.  But now, just as Central Park is an oasis in the middle of the buildings of New York City, so is the Zoo set among the businesses and the occasional Malaysian hotel and coffee shop it is a jungle within a jungle.  The zoo was opened in 1963, and was home to four hundred species of reptiles, exotic birds and mammals indigenous to Malaysia.  Most species in the zoo are the birds and fish, approximately one hundred are from the mammal kingdoms.  Consequently, the aquarium at the zoo is one of the more popular and visited attractions.  There are different tanks housing both freshwater and saltwater marine life and invertebrates.

Paths in the zoo are numerous and meander through wooded forests and enclosures for the animals are surrounding by trees and exotic plant life.  The species of the gibbons, the orangutans and the Sumatra tiger, are here at the zoo and are quite rare in all other regions of the world.  The elephant shows are also quite popular.  The animals are so trained that the will lift their foot for the trainer when it’s time for a pedicure, they will lie down when it is time for a bath.  They are also taught tricks that are meant to entertaining those attending the shows.  Elephants are sensitive creatures often living in large family units, and while many of the tricks are harmless, some feel that the ones such as an elephant standing upright on its two hind legs is unnatural and cruel.  However, these animals are well care for and loved by their trainers.  The shows generally run two times a day, and rides atop the gentle giants are all part of the attraction.  Lions perform as well, which often brings cheers as the king of the jungle roars on command, and sometimes at will.  This is a good trip, just about 15 km outside of downtown Kuala Lumpur and a must visit location especially for those traveling with children.

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