MALACCA: Malacca Zoo managed by KKW Consortium will see changes when services are restructured in some of its segments to correspond with other well-known zoos in this region.
The restructuring was placed on the agenda following a study tour by some 20 representatives from various agencies here who were sent to learn the concept of Chiang Mai Night Safari, in Thailand, recently.
“The trip to Thailand is for an exchange of ideas between the two menageries and to adopt the right system to manage the Malacca Zoo,” said KKW Consortium’s chairman, Datuk Abd Yunus Hitam.
He said the management of Malacca Zoo was also in his drive to find the appropriate approach to undertake improvement work, using more value-added attractions at the zoo.
“The study tour will help us to make our animal park to be well known and popular for its attractions, as well as to manage various species of wildlife in an efficient and practical manner.
“We have been given the opportunity to see new ideas for crowd-pulling items,” he said.
Chiang Mai Night Safari is the only theme park in Thailand that houses a variety of species of wild animals, including giraffes, zebras, deer, tigers, bears and other animals, in an area of 131ha site.
Added attractions were the “Cowboy and Red Indian” show and a beautiful fountain in the lake that danced with the music.
Visitors also had the opportunity to enjoy the many attractive treats of flora and fauna and experience the way of life of local people.
The group found the visit to the Maesa Elephant Camp to be unique and had an interesting experience of witnessing the behavioural pattern of the talented animals which had been trained to do various activities such as playing football, drawing and a formal presentation to welcome visitors.
There are an estimated 300 elephants in this camp, all of which are cared for by experienced elephant keepers who have the unusual ability to communicate with them using elephant vocalisation.
Over the three days tour, the Malacca entourage had the chance to visit various interesting places like the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquaria, the night market, the largest gemstone centre in Thailand, and a dry-plant food products company.
The study trip was sponsored by KKW Consortium Sdn Bhd.
