Several births were recorded at the Taiping Zoo & Night Safari between January and June this year, a testament to the zoo’s successful captive breeding programme.
The accomplishment also highlights the zoo’s vital role in global conservation efforts for endangered species.
This was revealed during the Taiping Municipal Council’s full board meeting held earlier today. The new births recorded were:
• One chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
• One white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar)
• Three Bawean deer (Axis kuhlii)
• Two milky storks (Mycteria cinerea)
• One nyala (Tragelaphus angasii)
• One axis deer (Axis axis)
• Two sambar deer (Cervus unicolor)
• 14 corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus)
• One striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis)
“The birth of these animals not only reflects the success of the captive breeding programme but also shows the crucial role Taiping Zoo & Night Safari plays in contributing to global efforts to conserve endangered species,” said the council’s president Khairul Amir Mohamad Zubir.
Taiping Zoo, also known as Taman Mergastua Sultan Idris Shah, was established in 1961 and is located in a natural setting within the Taiping Lake Gardens near the foothills of Maxwell Hill. It covers an area of 14 hectares.
The zoo is home to some 1,500 animals from 140 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish.
Another highlight of the meeting was the upcoming Merdeka (Aug 31) and Malaysia Day (Sept 16) celebrations in the historical town.
“As citizens of Malaysia, it is our responsibility to strengthen the spirit of unity, instil noble values, uphold integrity, and ignite love for our homeland,” said Khairul Amir. “We must continue to preserve inter-ethnic harmony, reject all forms of extremism and division, and work hand in hand to build a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient nation. This is the foundation for building an inclusive, progressive, and respected nation-state.”
He added that the council, as a local authority, plays a significant role in fostering the spirit of independence at the grassroots level.
“This is achieved through various nation-oriented programmes, the display and hoisting of the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag), and active participation in community activities, all to express our love for this country.
“As citizens who love Malaysia, I urge all residents of Taiping who own business premises or homes to hoist the Jalur Gemilang throughout August until Sept 30, 2025,” he added.
Main image: A White-handed Gibbon and her baby at Taiping Zoo/Taiping Municipal Council