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ABOUT US

HISTORY

Melaka Zoo with an area of 54 acres (21.2 ha) was situated in Ayer Keroh, is a well known tourism destination in Melaka. The zoo was established in 1963 and originally under the Melaka State Government but its management was taken over by The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) in 1979 and was officially opened to public by the then Prime Minister, Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on 13th August 1987. The zoo which is also a member of the South-East Asian Zoological Park Association (SEAZA) employs in four major divisions, namely Administration, Veterinary, Curator and Education section.

Melaka Zoo has progressed rapidly to be the second biggest zoo in the country. Located approximately 13 km from the city center of Melaka, it was the first zoo in the region to exhibit the endangered Sumatran rhinocerous and Gaur. At present, there are a total of over 1200 specimen made up of 200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians in the zoo. The major attractions of Melaka Zoo are the Malayan Gaur, Serow and the Malayan Tiger. In line with the current zoo development, Melaka Zoo adopted an Open Concept and maintains the natural green environment. Melaka Zoo also functions as a center for wildlife research, conservation breeding, zoo education center and a popular tourist destination. In order to achieve its goal, the four major functions of Melaka Zoo are as follows:

• Captive Breeding - Melaka Zoo functions as the major ex-situ breeding center for PERHILITAN. In this program, breeding stocks, especially the local threatened species were sourced for breeding in the zoo. Species successfully bred includes tiger, panther, tapir, serow, barking deer, sambar deer and many others.
• Research - Research works carried out emphasized on medical research/treatment and behavioural studies. Melaka Zoo also provides support for other researchers from PERHILITAN and other institutions of higher learning.
• Education - The program is designed to create awareness to the general public on wildlife and its conservation. Among the activities are lectures, video shows, publication of printed material and signage posted at all exhibits in the zoo.
• Recreation - Melaka Zoo provides recreation opportunities affordable by most people. Promotions were carried out to attract more visitors and hence generating more revenue to the government and contributing toward the development of national tourism industry.

VISION

To be an excellent zoo in terms of wildlife management and conservation, which willcontribute to conserving the nations biodiversity and the 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.

OBJECTIVES

1. To promote wildlife captive breeding program especally to endangered endemic species.
2. To offer facilities for wildlife conservation research programmes.
3. To benefit zoo's wildlife collection for creating public awareness so that they will realize the importance of conserving our biodiversity.
4. To offer recreational facilities which can be used by public and visitors.