Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Sabah zoo taking shape


By Ruben Sario

KOTA KINABALU: After nearly a decade in the making, Sabah’s first zoo has taken shape with a collection of unique animals including the Borneo pygmy elephant and proboscis monkey.

Sabah Zoological and Botany Park at Lok Kawi, 15km from the state capital, is likely to be opened by the middle of this year.

“There are some more things to be done but work on preparing the zoo and its exhibits have turned out very well,” State Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Karim Bujang said.

Located on an 113ha site, the zoo features viewing platforms for elephants, orang utan, wild buffalo, proboscis monkeys, tigers and binturong or local wild cats.

The zoo to be operated by Sabah Wildlife Department is also equipped with an aviary featuring dozens of local bird species including the colourful hornbill.

Among those who toured the zoo recently were Putatan MP Datuk Marcus Mojigoh who suggested that the facility be opened on a trial basis to get public feedback.

After spending more than two hours walking around the zoo with department director Mahedi Andau and his deputy Laurentius Ambu, Marcus suggested a children’s park to make it more attractive for families.

“This will encourage more families to visit the zoo,” he said, adding that the department should provide adequate information on the animals.

Source: The Star

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