Tuesday February 19, 2013

Perhilitan sends team to probe deaths

PETALING JAYA: The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) has sent a team headed by former Malacca Zoo director Ahmad Azahar Mohammed to investigate the deaths of a horse and a Sun Bear.

“The department is concerned over the deaths and will take action,” it said.

Perhilitan handed the zoo back to the state government on Jan 1 after managing it since it was set up in 1963. It was privatised to Konsortium KKW Sdn Bhd which comprises Koperasi Hang Tuah Jaya and Koperasi Bela Masyarakat and Wildlife Sdn Bhd. It was then renamed Malacca Zoo and Night Safari.

Soon after the privatisation, the state government set a target of attracting more than one million zoo-goers for this year, with a projected revenue of RM8mil.

The zoo attracted 750,000 visitors and recorded ticket sales of RM3.5mil last year.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said earlier this month that the new management would increase entrance fees by almost 50% to continue adding attractions.

Among the new features mentioned were animal shows, guided safari tours, a night train tour and treasure hunts.

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