This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.
Established in 1961, Zoo Taiping & Night Safari is the oldest zoo in Malaysia. It spans 14 hectares on the east side of Taiping Lake Garden. The zoo is also within a short distance from the foothill of Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill), another popular tourist destination.
The zoo has a collection of over 100 species of animals. Most animals are kept in outdoor enclosures where they can roam freely. A 2.5-kilometer paved trail allows visitors to visit all animals at their own leisure. Alternatively, visitors can also explore the zoo by train. Train rides are free of charge.
The Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) is the closest living relative to humans (Homo sapiens). Its Malay name literally translates as “person of the forest”. The ape has reddish-brown hair and spends most of its time in trees.
The Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) is slightly smaller than its African cousin (Loxodonta africana). A fully-grown male Asian Elephant weighs as much 4,000 kilograms.
The Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest species of bear. An adult only weighs 80 kilograms, which is small compared to a polar bear (Ursus maritimus) at 700 kilograms. Found in tropical forests of Southeast Asia, the Sun Bear is currently threatened by deforestation and poaching.
The Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea) is found in lakes and mangrove swamps of Southeast Asia. Its white plumage becomes pale yellow during courtship, earning it the name “milky”. The Milky Stork is now an endangered species.
Some animals such as the Buffy Fish Owl (Ketupa ketupu) are nocturnal, which means that they are only active after sunset. The Night Safari allows visitors to watch them at night.
Moving to other continents, the Australian Outback is home to unique animals like the Agile Wallaby (Macropus agilis), Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) and Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae).
Meanwhile, the African savannah is populated by animals such as the Plains Zebra (Equus quagga), Ostrich (Struthio camelus) and Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus).
The Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is another familiar sight in the savannah. An adult male stands around 5 to 6 meters in height. The extra height gives the animal an advantage in foraging and defense.
Also known as the Arabian Camel, Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) is an important pack animal in the desert. The camel has adapted to survive for extended periods of time without water.
Hailing from Africa, the Nile Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) spends most of the day submerged in water. The zoo has an adult couple and their offspring.
Animal feeding time is between 10:00am and 11:00am. Some of these animals have become very attached to their wardens. They seem to know when it is time to eat!
Admission tickets to Zoo Taiping and Night Safari cost RM17.00 and RM21.20 respectively. Children (3-12 years) and senior citizens (60 years or older) enjoy 50% discount. Unlike Singapore Zoo, the animal exhibits during daytime and nighttime are the same. Therefore, I do not think it is absolutely necessary to visit both.
Address: Jalan Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: 05-808-6577
Business hours: 8:30am-6:00pm, 8:00pm-11:00pm (Sunday-Friday), 8:30am-6:00pm, 8:00pm-12:00am (Saturday and eve of public holidays)