Melaka Zoo set to reopen after 10-month closure

The Melaka Zoo is probably the first zoo in Asia to witness the birth of white-handed gibbons (hylobates lar).

MELAKA: Melaka Zoo expects to reopen its doors to the public by the end of this week after almost ten months of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We are anticipating welcoming visitors by this Friday (Oct 1)," said Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council president Datuk Shadan Othman.

He said the reopening depends on the state government's decision on the exact date and if the zoo should only allow domestic visitors at the initial stage.

"The zoo management will only allow adults who have been fully vaccinated," he said after accompanying Melaka state secretary Datuk Kamel Mohamad to check on preparations at the Melaka Zoo on Sunday (Sept 26).

Shadan said 100% of zoo employees had been vaccinated.

"We will abide by the standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the National Security Council when we reopen," he said.

He said they were expecting about 700 visitors on the first day of the reopening.

Meanwhile, the zoo also witnessed the birth of a pair of white-handed gibbons (hylobates lar).

Shadan said the primates were born two weeks ago and their birth was a milestone for the Melaka Zoo. He said their genders have yet to be determined.

"Melaka Zoo is probably the first in Asia to witness the birth of twins from an endangered species, as confirmed by animal experts from a local university," he said.