Jeweller to help ailing zoo through animal-inspired gold wafers

(From left) Neha, Zarida and Rosly showing the six designs for the gold wafers.

DATIN Seri Zarida Noordin has always had a soft spot for animals and never misses a chance to visit the zoo when travelling with her family.

Zoos and the educational experience found within, she said, had been an integral part of her children’s upbringing in helping inculcate a caring attitude towards animals.

When her son related about Zoo Negara’s financial ordeal, the Habib Group executive director did not hesitate to lend a hand in helping the national landmark ride the storm during this challenging period.

“The Covid-19 outbreak has impacted many people across the globe, causing many to suffer.

“Without us realising it, even animals at the zoo were not spared the effects of this crisis.

“I figured there was a need to create awareness to help the animals at our zoo, ” she said.

And in no time, the “Save Our Animals” campaign spearheaded by Habib Group to help Zoo Negara was born.

The campaign saw the jeweller releasing limited-edition gold wafers available in six designs, each priced at RM118.

The designs feature animals commonly portrayed in local folklore namely the mousedeer, Malayan tiger, hornbill, elephant and orang utan. The sixth design is a panda.

For those keen to own all six designs, Habib has introduced a special package priced at RM708.

The gold collectibles are available at Habib stores in the country.

Zarida said Habib aimed to sell 10,000 wafers and from each wafer sold, RM5 would be channelled to the zoo.

“We decided to donate the proceeds worth RM50,000 upfront to the zoo.

“If we sell more gold wafers, then more money can be given to Zoo Negara, ” she said.

This is not the first time that Habib has released gold wafers for sale in support of a noble cause.

In August, the Habib Merdeka gold wafers in conjunction with the National Day were released.

The jeweller then released the Habib Upin Ipin gold wafers the following month.

Zarida said the gold wafers were popular among keepsake collectors in the country.

She expressed hope that the wafers created to raise funds for Zoo Negara would help instil awareness among the public on the need to protect endangered wildlife.“These animals play a key role in maintaining the balance in our environment and ecosystem.

“Unfortunately, many are now facing the possibility of extinction.

“We hope these wafers will serve as a reminder to educate people on this pressing issue, ” she said at the Habib campaign launch at Zoo Negara.

Also present was Miss Habib 2020 Neha Verma.

Accepting the contribution on behalf of Zoo Negara was its deputy president Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana.

He hopes more private companies will step forward to aid the financially ailing zoo which has been a tourist landmark for almost seven decades.

The 44ha wildlife sanctuary garnered public attention following reports on its struggles to keep up with its monthly operating cost of RM1mil.

“Thankfully, we received some RM10mil in cash donation from various parties to keep the zoo going during the movement control order, ” he said, disclosing that the amount was contributed by non-governmental organisations and the private sector as well as individuals.

He added that it was good the zoo was allowed to open during the MCO as it could not have sustained much longer if it remained closed.

Zoo Negara has been opened to the public since Dec 18.

Launched on Nov 14,1963, by then prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, Zoo Negara has 5,100 animals from over 470 species.