MALACCA ZOO, which was recently taken over by the state government, is slated for renovations and upgrading works in 2019.

The entire revamp will be carried out in stages and may take up to three years. It is estimated to cost up to RM6 million, said administrative officer Zanariah Khamis.

Since it was privatised in 2012, the zoo has not been upgraded. Its state of disrepair has earned it a negative image among the public, with reports of poor conditions and ill treatment of the animals.

Under state management, the zoo aims to improve on facilities and security as well as introduce new animals such as wallabies, horses and camels.

Currently, Malacca Zoo is home to 538 animals from 20 different species, including one of Malaysia’s oldest lions at 30 years old.

The monthly maintenance cost can run up to RM600,000 which covers food, medicine, security, cleaning, landscaping and salaries.

In a year, the zoo easily receives 200,000 visitors. - October 12, 2018.

**Editor’s note: We have been informed that the information we were previously given regarding the most recent renovation of the Malacca Zoo was misrepresented - we were initially told that the zoo had not been renovated since in opened in 1963. However, it has come to our attention that prior to its privatisation in 2012, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN) had spent over RM50 million to upgrade the zoo’s facilities, while all proceeds from ticket and retail sales went to the Malacca Zoo Trust Fund.