Show-time: Zoo Negara’s diverse attractions keep visitors coming back year after year. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Zoo Negara, with its logo featuring Sang Kancil, the beloved mousedeer, boasts approximately 305 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians for viewing.
This diversity contributes significantly to its appeal among holidaymakers during the Hari Raya period.
Visitor data from the first three months of 2025 reflects a typical seasonal trend, with 54,951 visitors in January, decreasing to 42,823 in February, and further dropping to 15,098 by March 23, largely due to Ramadan.
“We anticipate a resurgence in visitor numbers after Hari Raya,” Zoo Negara deputy president Datuk Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana told The Star, expressing optimism about the zoo attracting large crowds eager to reconnect with nature and wildlife.
Despite the decline in numbers in the earlier months, Zoo Negara has maintained a stable revenue through ticket sales and activities such as animal feeding sessions, adoption booths and educational programmes.
Ramadan promotions, including a “Buy 1 Free 1” ticket offer for the first 100 visitors daily, helped sustain visitor interest.
The zoo also recorded a gradual increase in the number of foreign tourists especially from China, India, Indonesia and several Middle Eastern countries.
Foreign visitor statistics for early 2025 show steady interest with 13,004 in January, 8,785 in February and 4,469 as of March 24.
As for impact of the weather on visitors, Rosly said it could influence attendance but it is not a major concern.
“Despite the rainy season mainly occurring at the year’s end and beginning, visitor numbers have remained stable,” he explained.
“Many visitors continue their trips after the rain stops, especially those with pre-planned visits.”
To ensure visitor comfort, the zoo has invested in sheltered facilities, including enclosed exhibits like the Reptile House, Biodiversity Garden, and the Giant Panda Conservation Centre.
Rosly dismissed concerns about competition from petting zoos and farms, saying that the diverse range of animals at the zoo is what sets it apart.
“We have also introduced more interactive activities, such as overnight camping opportunities.
“Moreover, the presence of giant pandas is a huge draw.”
He also mentioned that Zoo Negara recently received the Iconic Product Award from Selangor Tourism 2024 in the Nature, Adventure, and Eco-Tourism category.
Zoo Negara has seen a significant rise in visitor numbers over the past five years, with attendance peaking in 2023 before experiencing a slight dip last year.
In 2020, the zoo welcomed 183,198 visitors, followed by 182,227 in 2021. As Covid-19 restrictions eased, attendance surged to 432,198 in 2022 and a record-breaking 613,338 in 2023.
Last year, the strong numbers continued, with 572,708 visitors.
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