A zoo aims for the conservation, research, education, and breeding of animals, especially endangered animals. On the other hand, wildlife parks would be large areas of land where uncaged animals roam, fairly freely within a space that mimics their natural habitat. Most modern zoos also house animals within a spacious area that is similar to their natural habitat. These zoos and wildlife parks are important because they focus on animal welfare and preservation.
Animals with proper care generally live longer, eat better, and are healthier than their wild counterparts, some of which are constantly trying to escape poachers, or have trouble finding food. There are several zoos and wildlife parks around Malaysia that are well-maintained, have trained personnel, and have an impressive variety of animals. Read on to find out the 8 best zoos and wildlife parks in Malaysia.
What are the pros of having a zoo or a wildlife park?
Zoos provide education to young children and families. Some zoos offer special programs where their staff will travel to local schools to provide show and tell presentations. A zoo also protects endangered animals which are frequently poached for their skin or bones. Zookeepers are specially trained and can provide better upkeep of the animals to ensure they are well fed and cared for.
Wildlife parks generally provide spacious grounds for animals to roam freely and many wildlife parks house animals that have been rescued from being abused, neglected, or abandoned. Animal lovers generally prefer wildlife parks as they get to be up close and personal with animals that are residing within their natural habitat and are not confined to a small space.
8 Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks in Malaysia 2025
1. Zoo Negara Malaysia
The Zoo Negara Malaysia officially opened its doors in 1963 and has become a well-known Malaysian zoo. There is a total of over 5137 specimens from 476 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes over 110 acres of land. Over the years, the zoo has transformed to keeping 90% of its animals within spacious exhibits to ensure these animals are kept within a landscape that is similar to their natural habitat.
Operating Hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Address: Jalan Taman Zooview, Taman Zooview, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
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Website: https://www.zoonegaramalaysia.my/
Refer Price at klook2. Sunway Wildlife Park
The Sunway Wildlife Park is where you can get up close and personal with more than 150 species of animals from all over the world. This Wildlife Park offers interactive attractions such as animal shows at the Wildlife Theatre, animal feeding at the Pet Village, and more. The latest addition to the zoo would be the majestic White Tigers, Samson, and Asha, which are kept within a spacious glass enclosure.
Operating Hours: 10am to 6pm daily
Address: 3, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
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Website: https://sunwaylagoon.com/attraction/wildlife-park/
Refer Price at klooku003cbru003e3. Zoo Melaka
The Zoo Melaka is a 54-acre zoological park that is home to more than 1200 animals, including 215 species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. It is also the second-largest zoo in Malaysia after the Zoo Negara Malaysia and was the first Malaysian zoo to exhibit the endangered Sumatran rhinoceros. This zoo also exhibits the white rhinoceros, Asian elephants, red panda, Malaysian gaur, the serow, the squirrel monkey, the molurus python, the grey wolf, the Mongolian wild horse, the green tree python, the giraffe, the blue-and-yellow macaw and also the Indochinese tiger as well as the Malayan tiger.
Operating Hours:
10am to 4pm (Monday – Thursday)
9am to 5pm (Friday – Sunday)
Address: Lebuh Ayer Keroh, Hang Tuah Jaya, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka
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Website: http://www.zoomelaka.gov.my/
4. Taiping Zoo
The Taiping Zoo is currently the oldest zoo in Malaysia and is located at Bukit Larut, Taiping. This zoo exhibits 1300 animals which include 180 species of amphibians, mammals, and reptiles over 36 acres of land. It is also a night safari and houses the largest stump-tailed macaques in Malaysia. Visitors can visit during feeding time, which starts from 10am to 12pm. Visitors also can ride the zoo’s Mini Train, which is free of charge.
Operating Hours: 8am to 11pm daily
Address: Jalan Taman Tasik Taiping, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak
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Website: https://zootaiping.gov.my/main.html
5. Langkawi Wildlife Park
The Langkawi Wildlife Park was built to provide visitors with close encounter experiences with the animals. There is a fully covered walkway at the park that shields visitors from rain or shine. The park has the ambiance of being in a tropical rainforest and had initially focused on housing mainly a variety of avian species. Today, the park has expanded to include a new range of wildlife exhibits and had thus become a wildlife park.
Operating Hours: 8.30am to 5.30pm daily
Address: Lot 1485, Kampung Belanga Pecah, Jalan Ayer Hangat, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
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Website: https://langkawiwildlifepark.com/
Refer Price at klooku003cbru003e6. Zoo Teruntum
The Zoo Teruntum is a modest zoo located in Kuantan that houses animals such as monkeys, ostriches, and crocodiles. It is a family-friendly zoo with well-maintained spacious enclosures for animals to move freely. There are other fun activities available such as feeding the animals and “dinosaur” shows. There is also a small playground for children to have fun. There is a nice beach just a short walk away, which is a great location to have a relaxing stroll or a family picnic.
Operating Hours:
9am to 6pm (Monday – Friday)
10am to 7pm (Saturday – Sunday)
Address: Jalan Padang Golf, 25050 Kuantan, Pahang
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Google Reviews: Here
7. Kemaman Zoo and Recreation Park
The Kemaman Zoo and Recreation Park is a mini zoo with a variety of attractions that aims to provide exposure and education to its visitors about endangered species of flora and fauna. The zoo houses a herb garden, a water theme park, an orchid garden, and more. Visitors can also experience a horse-drawn carriage, marvel at fireflies, and take a relaxing river cruise.
Operating Hours:
9am to 5pm (Saturday – Thursday)
9am to 12.30pm, 2.30pm to 5pm (Friday)
Address: Majlis Perbandaran Kemaman, Kampung Tabuan, 24000 Kemaman, Terengganu
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Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.zookemaman.my/
8. Miri Crocodile Farm Wildlife Mini Zoo
The Miri Crocodile Farm Wildlife Mini Zoo opened its doors in 1998 and was the 2nd crocodile farm in Sarawak. This farm and zoo house more than 1,000 species of crocodiles within man-made ponds over 9 hectares of land near the mouth of the Baram River. There is also an information centre that contains frequently asked questions about crocodiles. Other exhibits are such as pigeons, sun bears, and the world’s most dangerous bird, the Cassowary.
Operating Hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Address: Lot 164, Jalan Lutong – Kuala Baram, 98000 Miri, Sarawak
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Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.facebook.com/miricrocodilefarm
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