Taiping Zoo

Located within the serene confines of Taiping Lake Gardens, Taiping Zoo is a must visit destination that houses both local and exotic wildlife in brilliant natural surroundings. Along with the lake gardens, the zoo is arguably one of the most popular destinations when visiting the town of Taiping, Perak.

Established in 1961 by the Taiping Municipal Council to attract tourists, Taiping Zoo is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Malaysia. In 1995 it began implementing a master plan that placed more emphasis on conservation, research and educational programs. As such, visitors will definitely notice its more naturalistic feel and interestingly enough, it is also considered to be one of the finest managed zoos in Malaysia.

Also known officially as Taman Mergastua Sultan Idris Shah, Taiping Zoo is an ecological treasure trove that covers approximately 14.4 hectares of land within Taiping Lake Gardens. Its main attraction are of course the many and varied species of animals that call the zoo home. With more than 180 species and totaling to about 1300 individual animals, the zoo provides for perfect and safe place for animal lovers to have a closer look at animals normally only seen on television or in the wild. These includes include Tigers, Lions, Elephants, Hippopotamus, Giraffes, Hornbills and the lovable Orang Utans.

Another interesting aspect of Taiping Zoo that visiting Malaysians and animal enthusiast can take pride in is its exceptionally successful breeding programs. In particular is its elephant-breeding program that has since produced four healthy elephants.

For a small fee, visitors are able to treat themselves to not only seeing the delightful antics of Jalung, a female baby elephant and the latest addition to Zoo Taiping but also other exotic Malaysian wild animals in an enclave consisting of natural settings such as streams, lakes and abundant flora.

For a different kind of experience while visiting Zoo Taiping, visitors may also opt for its Night Safari. Officiated by Sultan Azlan Shah, the Sultan of Perak in June 2003, Zaoo Taiping's Night Safari is the first of its kind introduced in Malaysia. It is a unique experience whereby nocturnal animals are displayed using special lighting similar to that of moonlight. To fully appreciate this experience, visitors are advised to minimize any and all sounds so that the nocturnal creatures can be observed and heard. Furthermore, torchlights and flash cameras are also not allowed in the Night Safari as this will disturb the animals on display. Dubbed a window to the creatures of the night, Taiping Zoo's Night Safari is one experience not to be missed while visiting Taiping.

The zoo is open from 8.30am to 6pm daily and the animal feeding time is usually from 10am to 12pm. For the Night Safari, visiting hours are from 8.00 to 11.00 p.m every night including public holidays and 8.00 to 12.00 am on Saturday nights and eve of public holidays.

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