Melaka Zoo & Night Zoo, Malacca, Malacca Malaysia

Melaka Zoo is the second largest in Malaysia. Located 13km outside Malacca city in Ayer Keroh, it has over 1,200 animals of 200 different species. The zoo’s highlight is the night-viewing safari when visitors are driven around in a tram to see lit-up exhibits of nocturnal wildlife up and about. 

Established in 1963, Melaka Zoo is spread out across 54 acres and is managed by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. The complex is home to a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians including the Malayan gaur, serow and Malayan tiger.

A member of the Southeast Asian Zoological Park Association (SEAZA), the Melaka Zoo is a centre for conservation breeding and wildlife study – species successfully bred include tigers, panthers, tapirs, serows, barking deers, sambar deers and others. Besides that, it was the first in the region to exhibit the endangered Sumatran rhinoceros and gaur.

Other than looking at the animals, there are also elephant and horse rides on offer for visitors; another way to really get into the thick of things is to volunteer to clean cages and help out with educational activities.