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HISTORY

Zoo Melaka was originally established by the Melaka State Government in 1963 atop 54 acres (21.2 ha) in Ayer Keroh as a fledgling tourist destination.

In 1979, management of Zoo Melaka was transferred to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) and officially opened to the public by then Prime Minister, Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on 13th August 1987. Since then, the Zoo has become a member of the South-East Asian Zoological Park Association (SEAZA) and an active member of the Malaysian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (MAZPA).

Located approximately 13 km from Melaka city center, the Zoo progressed rapidly to become the second largest zoological park in the country. It was the first Zoo in the region, for example, to exhibit the critically endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros and Gaur. The Zoo is also renowned around the world for its Malayan Tiger captive breeding program. In tandem with global trends, Zoo Melaka has also adopted a more “Open Zoo” concept with its newer exhibits as it continuously upgrades its exhibits.

The Zoo currently features a handsome collection of more than 1,200 animals from the world over. Representing more than 200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Zoo Melaka also functions as a center for wildlife research, conservation breeding, zoo education center and a popular tourist destination along the following areas,

• 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.