More than 800 animals, comprising 100 species, will be inhabiting Petting Zoo @ Gunung Lang which was opened to the public today (December 26).
According to the Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin, the collaboration between Ipoh City Council (MBI) and Pavilion Zoo, Chepor will add on to the attractions of the well-known Gunung Lang Recreational Park in Ipoh.
“The four-and-a-half-acre Petting Zoo is the latest family-oriented attraction. For the first phase, 25 species of animals are exhibited. Introduction of other species will be done in stages until January 2021, where there’ll be a total of 100 species.
“MBI is also in the midst of developing the Rose Garden project, urban farming (with State Agricultural Development Corporation (SADC)) and an extreme park project at Gunung Masoorat.
“They’re projected to aid tourism product operators in improving the local economy, as well as providing job opportunities for Ipohites,” he told reporters after launching the Petting Zoo in Gunung Lang today.
Starting today, Petting Zoo @ Gunung Lang operates daily from 10am to 6pm. Entrance tickets for both adults and children are RM6, free of charge for those below 2 years old, and RM10 for non-citizens.
Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of Tourism Perak, Nurmalis Musa said that the Petting Zoo will be the main point of interest in Ipoh.
“For the tourism industry, this is a new approach and attraction. Ipoh now has two Petting Zoos; one here at Gunung Lang and another at Lost World of Tambun (LWOT).
“Now is the best time for the public to bring their families for a vacation as we’re in the ongoing Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO). Hopefully, the CMCO ends by the end of this month to further spur tourism activities in the state,” Nurmalis expressed.
Managing director of Pavilion Zoo, Mohd Syariff Yahaya mentioned that the Petting Zoo will be developed in phases, including beautification of its surroundings.
“The main attractions of the Petting Zoo are its 35 goats, nicknamed ‘Viral Goats’ and a sheep named Dolly Molly which is docile and friendly.
“Besides that, visitors have the opportunity to be with pets that aren’t dangerous to humans, including a few species of snakes, rabbits, ponies and many more,” he added.
Rosli Mansor
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