Article: Johor Zoo welcomes new inhabitants

By MEERA VIJAYAN

THE Johor Zoo saw a hive of activity recently when it hosted a Hari Mesra Zoo to introduce several new animals to the public.

The new additions to the state zoo is a range of primates including the mandrill, chimpanzee, black macaca, capuchin and the banded longur.

Zoo manager Zakaria Razali said the animals were obtained through an exchange programme with other zoos, adding that he was particularly enthusiastic over the coming of a pair of mandrills.

Slithery : Teenagers steeling their nerves to stroke a large snake on exhibition.

“The mandrills from West Africa are the world’s largest type of monkeys and are distinctive because of its bright blue and red colouring seen in adult animals.

“A key feature in the animal’s social behaviour is that the blue colour on their pad, buttocks and chest intensifies while red dots sometimes appear on their wrists and ankles when the animals are excited,” he said.

Zakaria said the zoo was lucky to get the mandrills through the exchange programme as they are endangered species.

Primates are also easier to care for and to breed compared to birds which have a higher death rate, he said.

Besides the new animal exhibits, other activities to keep visitors occupied included an Explorace competition, colouring contests, and a fishing competition.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia student Noor Hidayah Zakaria, 21, was among those who were rushing around trying to find clues to the Explorace competition.

playing with the parrot in the cage.

“I’m trying to find the checkpoint with my group mates. Its not hard, but tiring,” she said before rushing off.

Another visitor interviewed, businessman Adnan Abdul Samad, 43, who was busy fishing at the zoo pond with his son Hishamuddin, 9, said that he had already caught over 20 fish in about two hours.

Hishamuddin said it was more fun hanging out at the zoo with his father than sitting at home watching television.

Meanwhile, ice cream seller Tarmizi Usman, 24, said that he was enjoying brisk business at the zoo and expected to sell 250 ice creams compared to the usual 150.

“It is a hot day, so many people enjoy the icy cold treat,” he said.

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Metro: South & East 28 March 2009