In 1957, the Malayan Agri-Horticultural Association (MAHA) opened a miniature zoo. After the creation of the miniature zoo, the idea of a proper zoo gradually gained momentum, and the federal government chose a spot in Ulu Klang, Selangor, next to the border of Kuala Lumpur. In the 1960s, Ulu Klang was an undeveloped green area. In 1963, the first prime minister of Malaya (now Malaysia), Yang Teramat Mulia (YTM)Tunku Abdul Rahman, opened the zoo to the public. Zoo Negara was known as the "Zoo in the Jungle" due to the lush vegetation that dominated the region.
The zoo welcomed its millionth visitor on 14 November 1966, just three years after opening, and by 1986, the zoo was attracting over 1 million visitors per year.[1]
The zoo remained surrounded by dense tropical forests until the late 1970s when Kuala Lumpur experienced rapid population growth fueled by an economic boom. Nearby Ulu Klang was targeted for large-scale residential development to accommodate the expanding urban population, resulting in habitat loss in formerly wild areas surrounding the zoo.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, there were plans to move the zoo to other locations in Selangor. However, the plans were largely unpopular among the public as they were seen as an effort by some developers to capitalize on the value of the zoo's large land. With support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the [Selangor] State Government, it was decided not to relocate the zoo.[citation needed]
The Amphibian World Center at the Reptile Park has a variety of frogs and toads that originate from various habitats in Malaysia.
Asian elephant
Giant Panda Conservation Centre
In 2014, a male and female giant panda pair named Xing Xing and Liang Liang went on public display at an air-conditioned, purpose-built Giant Panda Conservation Centre next to tram stop T5. The pandas are on a 10-year loan to Malaysia. On 26 May 2018, Yi Yi, a four-month-old female panda, went on show for the first time. The cub is the second born in Malaysia. The cub's sister, Nuan Nuan, was born in August 2015 and sent back to China in 2017 as part of Beijing's agreement with Malaysia that cubs born in captivity must be sent back to China at the age of two.[8] A third giant panda cub was born at Malaysia Zoo in June, 2021.[9]
Malaysian Elephants
The zoo is home to three Asian elephants: Siti (a female born in 1979 in Fraser's Hill), Sibol (a female born in 1978 at Temerloh), and Teriang (a male born in 1980 in Teriang, after which he is named). The trio have been in the zoo since they were very young.[7]
This aviary holds over a hundred species of birds from all around the world.[7] The Birds Photo Corner in the aviary lets visitors take souvenir photos with a variety of macaws and cockatoos on weekends.
This exhibit is home to Nile hippopotamuses (hippos) and pygmy hippo. The zoo has three Nile hippos: Duke, Kibu, and Chombie. Chombie was born at the zoo.
Zoo Negara's Tunku Abdul Rahman Aquarium is the first ecologically based freshwater aquarium that highlights Malaysian rivers and wetlands. The aquarium exhibits show the ecosystem or the habitats of Malaysian river systems in the upper, middle, lower estuarine zones and finally, the sea. The aquarium features fish that are commonly seen in Malaysian rivers, as well as rare and endangered species including invertebrates such as crabs, prawns, corals, and aquatic insects.
Train rides and guided tours are available on weekends.
The Mini Bee Museum is located at the heart of Zoo Negara and helps educate visitors about the many types of bees in the country. Honey is also available for sale.
The Multi-Animal Photo Corner, open on weekends, is located by the zoo's main entrance. Visitors can have their pictures taken with snakes, miniature horses, and birds.