Taiping Zoo and Night Safari (ZTNS) will resume its operations starting Monday, June 15. The launch will be following standard operating procedures (SOP) and new norms.
According to the Taiping District Council (MPT) President, Khairul Amir Mohamad Zubir, preparations were reinforced with refined SOP in ensuring visitors’ safety from catching COVID-19.
“The MPT and ZTNS management team seriously looks into adherence towards SOP set by the National Security Council and Ministry of Health,” he said in a statement dated June 11.
“Besides health screening, social distancing, wearing face masks and applying hand sanitisers, we’ve also laid down disinfection mats at every entrance and exit of the zoo,” Khairul Amir added. “These mats are meant to disinfect visitors’ footwear.
“The zoo management allows 1,250 visitors at a time for a duration of two to three hours,” he further elaborated. “This is to prevent crowding and allow smooth execution of the SOP.”
ZTNS, also known as Taman Mergastua Sultan Idris Shah II started operations circa 1961. The zoo is situated in the midst of nature and greenery surrounding the Taiping Lake Gardens, near the foothills of Bukit Larut. Interestingly, it is about 14.5 hectares wide.
To date, ZTNS houses around 1,500 animals from 130 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fishes.
Three options based on adherence to SOP are available for visitors, which are taking the tram, getting on buggy cars or walking. One-metre physical distance is a must for these options.
Buggy cars are limited to four individuals only for non-families, while family members are allowed eight to ten at a time.
Meanwhile, the State Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government and Tourism, Dato’ Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi is satisfied with ZTNS’ execution of SOP which brings confidence to visitors.
“I believe ZTNS to receive a very warm welcome from the public because they are undeniably one of the best zoos in the world, thanks to their successful efforts in preventing extinction of certain endangered species,” she enthused.
“We were astounded with the birth of three Harimau Malaya tiger cubs and the hatching of milky stork nestlings during the Movement Control Order in March,” Nolee Ashilin said.
Rosli Mansor
