5 days ago
Johor Zoo beats the heat with blood ice cubes and fruit popsicles
JOHOR BAHRU - With the scorching heatwave, Johor Zoo has intensified health checks and implemented measures to protect the animals, which includes creative feeding, says a state executive councillor.
Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Jafni Shukor said the zoo focused on ensuring water sources are clean and sufficient, including for animals that rely on water to cool off, such as the Malayan tapir, tiger, hippopotamus and crocodile.
'Zookeepers are constantly monitoring and refilling pools to ensure the animals have access to sufficient water. It is a crucial step in helping wildlife regulate their body temperature during the extreme weather,' he said when contacted.
The Bukit Permai assemblyman also said Johor Zoo has introduced creative feeding enrichments to help animals adapt to the hot conditions.
He said carnivores are being provided with blood ice cubes while fruit eating species enjoy fruit popsicles made by the zookeepers.
'These treats help the animals at the zoo stay cool while keeping them mentally stimulated in their enclosures,' Mr Jafni said.
He noted that health monitoring has been intensified with veterinarians and zoologists conducting regular checks on the animals to ensure their well-being.
He said this is made with the support of the Johor Veterinary Department and the state Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).
'Zookeepers are the frontliners in ensuring the animals' welfare. With the support of veterinary experts and relevant agencies, we are doing everything necessary to maintain the highest standards of care,' he said.
Separately, Mr Jafni said that he recently carried out a working visit to Johor Zoo to inspect the ongoing second phase development plan for the 97-year-old zoo, which began earlier in May.
He said the upgrades were part of a broader vision to position the zoo as a flagship tourism destination ahead of Visit Johor 2026.
'My visit was to ensure that all planning is on track to transform Johor Zoo into a major tourism hub for the state.
'With a total allocation of RM7 million (S$2.1 million), the second phase focuses on internal improvements. This includes upgrading animal enclosures, disability and stroller friendly pathways, as well as the development of a new night zoo, designed to offer a more interactive and engaging experience for visitors,' he said.
Mr Jafni added that since its reopening on Aug 31, 2024, Johor Zoo has seen a remarkable increase in public interest. He said annual visitor numbers, which previously averaged around 400,000, have surged to an estimated one million over the past year.
He said the jump in visitor numbers was something to be proud of, adding that it can help increase Johor Zoo's revenue from RM1.5 million to RM7 million annually.
'This is an extraordinary achievement, driven by visitor- friendly initiatives and infrastructure upgrades. As Malaysia's oldest zoo located in the heart of Johor Bahru, this transformation honours not only the zoo's legacy, but also the city's heritage.
'Enhanced facilities such as e-ticketing, shuttle bus services and more attractive zoning designs have contributed to its rising popularity, not only among locals but also international visitors, particularly from neighbouring Singapore,' he said.
Mr Jafni added the state government is committed to positioning Johor Zoo as a must-visit attraction during Visit Johor 2026. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
