I'd be the first to jump at an invitation to visit a zoo if I was traveling in another elsewhere. I've been to several in Aussie, one in Central Park, NYC and another in Singapore. Ironically, at the mention of Zoo Negara, I can't help but cringe and pass on the offer. Sadly my past visits there were a let down with poor facilities and maintenance and sad looking animals resonating a sense of deprivation.
I had a change of perspective last weekend when we (the Discovs) visited the Taiping Zoo and night safari. I was bewildered by the sense of pride the zoo keepers had for the place. I was mesmerized by the amount of info provided at every stop. The Taiping zoo has a rugged feel to it. It's not as "clean" as the Singapore Zoo, with shrubs growing on the pavement and moss carpeting some rocks but there was no indication that the place was poorly maintained. The animals looked hale and hearty (whoops I wasn't planning to eat 'em when I said hearty!)
What surprised me was the absence of the "zoo stench"! If I think of Zoo Negara, the first thing that comes to mind is the stench that greets you at the entrance. Needless to say it was repulsive. However magically or not, I was not greeted with the same stench in Taiping. It wasn't entirely absent through as we caught a whiff of it as we approached the deer sanctuary… thankfully the air cleared after a bit. The Taiping Zoo and night safari was a hidden treasure we stumbled upon. I'm glad the government taking the effort to keep this hidden treasure alive; at least children will have a chance to visit a proper local zoo.
Here are some snapshots of Taiping (taken by Josh Chan). For more pictures and a virtual walk thru the zoo - click here and here, otherwise these are my favs:
One of the few colonial building in Taiping town. The weather was awesome too! What a great shot - reminds me of Christchurch, NZ.
At the zoo.. just girls (p/s Jirene we missed you!)
All pumped to go in!
Chimps - this was my first time seeing a real life one. I was amazed at how BIG they were!
Spotted Civet although small in size can be quite ferocious..
Up close and personal with the deers but not for long because they poop really stinks!
King of the Jungle - I would pay a million bucks just inch close to it!
How odd to be standing on only one leg - reminds me of my ballet training years ago!
I wonder if the world upside down would pose a better view? Hmmm....
The most friendly animals in the zoo!
Time for a dental appointment?
Trip to the zoo was almost a family affair :)
After the zoo, we stumbled upon a great ride - the giant slide at the park!
First up - Hannah, Esther & Lydia
You're never too old for some fun!
Weeeeee.........
Swish...
Then the guy commanders had a go!! They went berserk!
Sarah... such a gem!
Hannah - the rugged lil gal!
Isabelle - my lil monkey :)
Spot the "animals"
Finally a decent shot...
12 November 2008
Discovery Rangers in the teeny little town called Taiping
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