The Star, Malaysia : Krau wildlife reserve ideal as an open zoo

Wednesday October 15, 2003

Krau wildlife reserve ideal as an open zoo

TEMERLOH: Pahang is offering 1,000ha of its wildlife forest reserve in Krau, here, to be turned into an open zoo for the country.

State Culture, Arts, Tourism and Women’s Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Maznah Mazlan said the natural wildlife environment in Krau was ideal for a zoo.

Maznah said the diverse species found in the area was an added value for the Krau wildlife forest reserve to be turned into an open zoo.

According to studies conducted there, she said, there were 125 species of mammals, 305 species of birds, 87 species of amphibians and reptiles, 68 species of fish, thousands of species of invertebrates, and 1,508 species of plants.

“The place is a 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur once the East Coast highway is ready by next year.

“The site is also close to the National Park,” she said after closing a two-week course on tourist guide for nature which was held at the National Biology Preservation Training Centre in Bukit Rengkit, Lanchang, here, on Monday.

Maznah said the Krau wildlife reserve was also currently the centre of research conducted by various universities and students.

“We also have the rehabilitation centre for wild elephants in Kuala Gandah, for seladang in Krau, and there is also a deer farm in Bukit Rengit, here, which is already a mini zoo for visitors,” she added.