ZOO Negara has received nearly 600,000 visitors, surpassing its target of attracting 450,000 visitors this year. 

Zoo Negara deputy president Rosly@Rahmat Ahmat Lana said the increase in the number of visitors, among others, was attributed to the year-end school holidays and various interesting deals offered. 

“We will normally receive more visitors, especially to the Giant Panda Conservation Centre, at the end of the year. 

“We are also offering free tickets to Malaysian citizens on their birthday months and the promotion is valid for 30 days from their birth date,” he told Bernama. 

He said this after receiving a RM200,000 donation from foodpanda Malaysia to the Giant Panda Conservation Centre today.

Rosly said the Giant Panda Conservation Centre now has four pandas – Xing Xing, Liang Liang, Sheng Yi, and Yi Yi. 

However, he said, Yi Yi, who is now almost four years old, will be sent to the Panda Conservation Centre in China on Tuesday. 

“Normally, giant panda cubs will only stay at Zoo Negara for two years. However, due to the enforcement of the movement control order and border closures, Yi Yi could not be sent home according to schedule,” he said.

He expressed his gratitude to foodpanda Malaysia for its donation to the Giant Panda Conservation Centre, and said he hopes more corporate bodies will support the national zoo. – Bernama, December 14, 2022.