Johor Zoo, Zoo in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Johor Zoo is a zoo in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, set across a large open grounds with separate enclosures for different animal species. The animals living there include Asian elephants, chimpanzees, and Malayan tigers, each kept in their own dedicated area.
Johor Zoo opened in 1928, founded by Sultan Sir Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Sir Abu Bakar and named Kebun Binatang, Malay for animal garden; it was then the first zoo of its kind in Southeast Asia. On 1 April 1962 it was handed over to the Johor State Government and opened to the public that same year.
The zoo's name, Kebun Binatang, is Malay for "animal garden"; it was given when Sultan Sir Ibrahim opened the collection in 1928. Among the 28 exhibits are Malayan tigers, sun bears, saltwater crocodiles and Malayan tapirs, alongside gorillas, hippos and flamingoes. The zoo lies 1 km from the city centre and is the only one in Malaysia run by a state government.
The zoo is located just outside central Johor Bahru and is easy to reach. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, as the grounds require a good amount of walking under open skies.
The zoo is run directly by the state government of Johor, setting it apart from most other zoos in Malaysia, which are privately managed. This means decisions about animal care and park operations are made at a government level rather than by a private company.
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