Small-clawed otters waiting for their meal.
The Proposal
Animals are our national heritage. Kuala Lumpur, being the capital city of the nation, needs a city zoo, which I shall call the KL Zoo. Unlike the National Zoo that we have now - which showcases local as well as animals brought into the country from abroad - the KL Zoo will only showcase Malaysian fauna.
Our country has such a rich variety of wild animals and reptiles. In the KL Zoo we can accommodate wild animals such as the Asian elephants, pygmy elephants (native to Sabah), tigers, leopards, orangutan, the various species of the ape family, rhinoceroses, deers, tapirs, sunbears, seladang, kijang, pangolins, foxes, wild boars, kongkang, mousedeers, porcupines, otters, turtles, tortoises, and reptiles such as crocodiles, iguanas and snakes. The KL Zoo can meet the principal objectives of conservation, education and tourism. Good examples of city zoos which have achieved success in meeting these objectives are the London Zoo, San Diego Zoo in the U.S., the Australia Zoo in Brisbane (home of the famous “Crocodile Hunter”, the late Steve Irwin) and the Singapore Zoo.
A deer gazing at the cameraman.
Taking Over the National Zoo Site
I suggest that the Federal Government take over the current site of the National Zoo in Ulu Kelang, Selangor and convert it into the KL Zoo. Last year, there were some articles written in the Malaysian media regarding the Federal Government’s intention to take over the National Zoo and move it to another location in Selangor state. It is obvious that the National Zoo - which is run by the Malaysian Zoological Society - is financially strapped as its income comes mostly from the sponsorships of selected animals (by the business community), gate collections and a small annual Government grant. Furthermore, the site is getting too small for the animals. There were allegations made in the press in August this year that the National Zoo suffers from a host of problems. These allegations, if true, are matters that the KL Zoo management will have to contend with after taking over the National Zoo.
The Ulu Kelang location is ideal for the KL Zoo for two reasons: firstly, it is located only 20 minutes away from the city centre and nearby population centres if visitors use the AKLEH and DUKE elevated highways, and secondly, the site would have more than enough space to accommodate Malaysian animals and reptiles only. The African elephants, giraffes, camels, lions, chimpanzees and other exotic animals can be moved out from Ulu Kelang to the new National Zoo site in another part of Selangor state.
A sun bear paces near its den.
Federal Government to Finance and Manage the KL Zoo
A stork in silhouette at the edge of the zoo's pond.
The KL Zoo should be fully funded by the Federal Government and run by a federal-owned statutory corporation; this will make it financially viable and easy to manage. Gate collections can still be made and sponsorships continued; this would boost KL Zoo’s income and enable the ticket entry fees to be fixed reasonably low to encourage many visitors (especially school pupils) to visit it. Schools around Kuala Lumpur and in Selangor should encourage teachers to bring children to the KL Zoo. There should also be no differentiation in ticket pricing for Malaysians and foreigners as is being practised now by the National Zoo; this smacks of discrimination and gives a bad name to the country.
The Zoological Society of Malaysia can be appointed as consultants, but they would have to work with zoological experts - locals as well as foreigners. Such experts should be encouraged to do research at the KL Zoo as their work can benefit animal lovers and the scientific community. However the zoo managers must ensure that any part of the KL Zoo’s properties that is of significant environmental value is protected.
The National Resources and Environmental Ministry can use the KL Zoo as a model to ease the growing concern among the people and environmental NGO Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) regarding the well-being of animals kept in zoos. The Ministry must ensure that all zoos - including the KL Zoo - are well managed in terms of facilities and the well being of the wildlife. All zoos must also comply with local legislation governing animal protection and care such as the current Wildlife Protection and Zoo Licensing Acts, and the forthcoming Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008, but if such laws are not adequate, then new provisions must be added to these statutes or new laws ought to be enacted by Parliament.
KL Zoo to Be the Ultimate Wildlife Adventure
The KL Zoo should be the ultimate wildlife adventure, delivering conservation through education and enabling visitors, especially children, to appreciate our national heritage. We do not want Malaysian animals to end up extinct, like the dodo in Madagascar.
A wild goat relaxes in the shade.
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