Zoo Negara

Zoo Negara opened in 1963 on about sixty-two hectares north-east of the city and is run by the Malaysian Zoological Society, a non-governmental body, which means it depends on gate money, sponsorship and donations rather than a state budget - a situation that became public during the pandemic closures when it appealed for funds to feed the animals. The collection runs past four hundred species with a strong regional emphasis: Malayan tigers, tapirs, sun bears, orangutans, hornbills and a large aviary, alongside an aquarium, a savannah section and giant pandas on loan from China in a dedicated enclosure. The site is hilly and spread out, with a tram for those who want it. Enclosure standards vary noticeably across the zoo, with newer sections considerably better than the older ones.

What you actually see

• Malayan species - tigers, tapirs and sun bears with a regional emphasis.
• Giant pandas - the loaned pair in their own climate-controlled enclosure.
• A large aviary and aquarium - among the older established sections.
• A hilly sixty-two hectare site - walked or covered by the tram.

When to go

All year; early morning when animals are active and it is cooler. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Enclosure quality is uneven - some older sections are small and dated by modern standards. It is hot, hilly and exposed. Animal shows have drawn criticism. Weekends are crowded.

Nearby

Ampang and the Klang gates quartz ridge are close; Kuala Lumpur is south-west.