Volunteers spruce up zoo

Among the volunteers who help to clean up a cow’s cage in Johor Zoo.1 IRDA CEO Datuk Ismail Ibrahim (right) spraying IRDA’s logo at the wall of the sun bear’s cage during their enrichment programme.

JOHOR BARU: Over 100 volunteers from various backgrounds came together at the Johor Zoo to spruce up the area.

Among the participants were some 30 children from Rumah Barkat who took part in the programme, organised by Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA).

Nur Amalia Mohd Shah, 15, said that she had a lot of fun at the gotong-royong programme.

“I managed to feed several animals such as rabbits, a sun bear and camel as well as clean their cages,” said Nur Amalia who lost her father after he suffered a heart attack some five years ago.

Mohamed Afif Nadim, 14, said although this was not his first time visiting the zoo, cleaning up the place and feeding the animals was a different experience for him.

First-timer Muhammad Imam Dhiaizaat, 14, hoped more programmes like this would be organised as it gave them a chance to experience nature and appreciate the flora and fauna.

Volunteers also swept the compound. — Photos: NORBAITI PHAHARORADZI/ The Star

 

IRDA chief executive officer Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said the programme could help educate participants on the importance of preserving nature and protecting animals.

“We also wanted to help keep the zoo clean so that both visitors and the animals would be feel comfortable.”

The volunteers also painted mural, planted trees and installed new signage at the animals’ cages.

IRDA had also beautified the sun bears’ cage according to their natural habitat as advised by the zoo management.