JOHOR BARU: More visitors are expected to flock to the country’s oldest zoo following upgrading works, including making it home to several new animal species soon, said Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.
The state exco member in charge of housing and local government said the expected increase to Johor Zoo is due to it being the most popular urban attraction in the state last year with a strong turnout of 629,312 visitors.
He said the figure showed that the nearly century-old zoo remained relevant as a family recreation spot, conservation education centre and key tourism draw in the city centre.
“The rising number of visitors recorded by Johor Zoo is a clear indication that ongoing improvement efforts at the zoo are on the right track.
“The zoo, which is 98 years old, is undergoing its phase two upgrading project.
“This includes the construction of a new reptile house, improvements to animal enclosures and the introduction of new exhibition zones,” he told The Star yesterday.
Johor Zoo began as a private collection for the Sultan of Johor in 1928 and became a public zoo in 1962.
The zoo predates Taiping Zoo, which was set up in 1961, and Zoo Negara, which officially opened in 1963.
Mohd Jafni said the upgrading works are geared towards visitor comfort and inclusivity, which include wheelchair and stroller friendly pathways.
“The upgrading works are being carried out in phases to ensure animal welfare is safeguarded at all times, while visitor safety remains a top priority,” he said, adding that almost 95% of existing enclosures are housing exhibits.
“We are also planning to introduce a variety of new species once phase two is fully completed,” he said.
Currently, the zoo has 414 animals, with the numbers expected to surpass 500 following the introduction of 86 new exhibits.
Mohd Jafni said the new additions were part of continuous efforts to enrich the overall visitor experience while strengthening the zoo’s appeal as an educational and conservation centre.
He added that the upgrading works are expected to be completed before March 1 this year and augur well for the Visit Johor 2026 campaign.
He said the initiative to spruce up the zoo is in line with the leadership of Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who prioritises high-impact development and tourism growth while keeping public well-being in mind.
