Opening of zoo to boost tourism

Opening of zoo to boost tourism
By Ridzwan Fernandez

2009/02/11

KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu will have its first zoo, projected to be the biggest in the East Coast region, in Kemaman by the end of next month. The zoo will be located on a 54ha site in Bukit Takal, bordering the popular firefly colony in Kampung Yak Yah, Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said announced yesterday.

It will feature at least 100 animal species once it's opened to the public, he said.

Among them are several species of bears, Banteng cattle, seladang (Malayan Gaur), kijang (barking deer), wild goat, orang utan, crocodiles and tigers.

Some animals, such as the peacock, ostrich, deer, wildcat, and snakes were of present kept in quarantine to enable them to adapt to local conditions and environment.

"Once fully completed and when the secondary forest area matures to suit the conditions needed, the Bukit Takal zoo is poised to become among the 10 best zoos in the Asean region," he said in a statement.

Bukit Takal was preferred as the area was already popular with tourists for its local fruit industry.

The zoo is also part of bigger plans to turn the state into a major tourist destination.

"Tourism is one of the few sectors in which the rakyat can be involved. So, this is in line with Terengganu's aim of getting its people involved in its administrative and development policies."

Ahmad said the stock of animals would be purchased from zoos in and out of the country.

The menteri besar harbours hopes that the zoo will also become a breeding ground for local species in danger of extinction, adding that once they matured, they would be released into their natural habitats or sold to other zoos.

He also expects the elephant rides, the white tiger and the bird of paradise to be the main attraction at the Bukit Takal zoo.

The zoo will also feature themed zones for its visitors, including several botanical-based gardens.

Among them are herbal, tropical, fruit, orchid and bonsai gardens while facilities include tram and buggy rides, restaurants, recreational areas and a family-theme swimming pool. NST