Day at the zoo: An elephant greeting visitors at Johor Zoo.. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: The state is set to introduce an animal adoption programme at the Johor Zoo – the oldest in the country – to help reduce the maintenance cost of the animals, says state executive councillor Datuk Mohd Jafni Mohd Shukor.
The housing and local government committee chairman said 10 government-linked companies (GLCs) had agreed to participate in it, with more expected to follow suit.
“Currently, we have one private sector company involved, and many others have expressed interest in joining the programme, though we have yet to schedule meetings with them.
“So far, we have engaged with 10 GLCs, and are also looking to involve government agencies at both the state and federal levels,” he said.
Mohd Jafni said this when met at the Johor Zoo’s reopening ceremony, held in conjunction with the National Day celebration in Jalan Gertak Merah here yesterday.
“The adoption programme will allow external parties to assist the government in caring for the zoo inhabitants.
“For example, we spend around RM250,000 annually just to feed the elephants.
“Through the programme, these GLCs and private companies can contribute via their corporate social responsibility initiatives, helping us to ensure the animals receive adequate care,” he added.
The adoption agreements are expected to be finalised by the end of the year.
Asked about plans to improve traffic flow and queuing system, Mohd Jafni said enforcement personnel would manage traffic and additional self-service kiosks would be installed soon.
A child getting a closer look at a slithery python. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
“The response has been overwhelming. Previously, our record was 5,000 visitors throughout the school holidays in December.”
As of 5pm yesterday, he said that 19,461 tickets had been sold.
From now until Sept 30, tickets are sold at a 50% discount with adults only paying RM5 per entry.
“Currently, we only have one self-service kiosk for tickets, which has caused long queues. We plan to add more kiosks during the second phase of upgrading in the first quarter of next year.
“Given the strong demand, we may need to expedite this process and add more cash payment counters,” Mohd Jafni said, adding that the facility is run by 30 staff members and 70 volunteers.
He added that the second phase of upgrading would see additional parking spaces and animals.
The state, he said, had also prepared 500 parking lots at the old Ayer Molek prison with four shuttle buses to transfer the visitors.
“The bus can ferry about 4,300 passengers in one day,” he said.
The zoo is open from 9am to 6pm every day.
Meanwhile, visitors to the zoo hailed the new-look with its added amenities and places for the elderly and families to rest.
Former bank officer Elena Ho, 63, said she had visited the zoo 40 years ago and she was thrilled to see a big improvement to the place.
“I came with my grandson today. Back in the days, there were only a handful of animals but today, there are variety of them.
“And it’s easier now for elderly people like me to walk around inside. Previously, the pathway was kind of uneven,” she said.
Mohd Hishamudin Taib, 35, a father of four, was impressed with the new playground and interaction with the animals.
“My children could not stop talking about them. I am glad they enjoyed themselves,” he said.
First-time visitor, S. Angelena, 29, said she would like to have more interaction with the animals.
“Other zoos have animal shows and petting spots for the creatures. It will be great for Johor Zoo to include such elements,” she said.
