Kuala Krai Mini Zoo springs back to life after 17 years

KUALA KRAI: Bouncing back to trumpet the harmony between 'Man and Nature', the Kuala Krai Mini Zoo was officially opened today 17 years after the animals fell silent.

From now, a coterie of more than 50 species of animals like camels, hornbills, elephants and iguanas as well as a Mini Aquaria of fishes are among the sights and sounds awaiting visitors.

Visitor Ismail Din, 42, from Kampung Sungai Pas here, said the revival of this mini zoo was one of the long awaited tourist destinations after over a decade of its closure to visitors.

"It has been a long time since we as Kelantan people have not been able to spend time with our families to see the animals at the zoo, surely the reopening of the Kuala Krai Mini Zoo brings back memories and (so we) bring children to get to know these animals up close," he told Bernama at the mini zoo here yesterday.

As for Sharil Abdul Rahman, 35, from Gunong, Bachok said he had no qualms about leaving his house as early as 8 am with his family to catch the animal attractions of the zoo.

"I hope this mini zoo will stay open from now on because it will not only improve the economy of the local population but also create more job opportunities," he said.

Earlier, the opening ceremony of the Kuala Krai Mini Zoo was officiated by Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob and also attended by his deputy Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah; state Unity, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Committee chairman Major (Rtd) Datuk Md. Anizam Abdul Rahman and Kuala Krai district head Tengku Ab Rahman Tuan Yunus.

Ahmad said the reopening of the Kuala Krai Mini Zoo was the brainchild of the state government to create a suitable tourist location to visit, especially in this locale.

"Construction of the (new) mini zoo by Kuala Krai District Council began in 2020 with a state allocation of RM2.5 million.

"Among the objectives of establishing the Kuala Krai Mini Zoo is to create a strategic location as a new tourism product to promote domestic tourism as well as becoming a wildlife conservation centre, create educational opportunities and to stimulate local economic development," he said.

Commenting further, Tengku Ab Rahman said the Kuala Krai Mini Zoo began operating on Dec 24 in 1964, but in 2005, the zoo changed its status to the Kuala Krai Bird Park before ending its operations in 2011.

"Among the challenges in building the mini zoo was its very limited funds which required RM1 million at the early stage of the zoo's development.

"In addition, the mini zoo also faced (environmental) challenges due to its geographic location such as landslides, fallen trees and other calamities causing great damage which required extra funds for repairs," he said.

Tengku Ab Rahman said in conjunction with this re-opening, visitors can enjoy the promotional ticket price for a month starting today which is RM8 for adults and RM4 for children.

The Kuala Krai Mini Zoo will open daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm with ticket prices of RM10 for adults, RM5 for the elderly and children, while admission is free for the disabled (PwD).

-- BERNAMA