In my previous article, I have mentioned some issues about the zoo in the city where I am currently staying. Some of the staff during an interview with the local media mentioned how they are struggling to keep up with the operation during the pandemic. Pretty much like everything else, the zoo is also closed for visitors. This impacted the zoo operation and also the animals. They even mentioned that to save the operation costs, they saved up on the animals' food and reduced the human resource. Only recently after ongoing mass vaccination, the zoo in my city is one of the only few places that re-opens for visitors. However, to visit this zoo, there are some safety measures that the visitors must follow.
When my friend and I arrived at the entrance of Gembira Loka zoo, there were some signs mentioning the rule to enter the zoo. In order to enter the zoo, the visitor must download the contact tracing and vaccination app called Peduli Lindungi. Through this app, the system will notice our vaccination status and only those with at least one dose can enter the zoo or a visitor must provide a PCR test to enter the complex. This rule however, seems to exclude the children as I saw it. As long as their parents are vaccinated, the children are allowed to enter.
After scanning the QR code, my friend and I were directed to the ticket counter. It has been about a few years since I last visited the place. The first time I visited this place, the ticket cost around 2.5$/person. Now, it costs about 5$ to enter the zoo during the weekdays and 7$ during the weekend. With that price, we are getting a free train ride and also a free boat ride inside the zoo.
From what I remembered, this zoo is quite massive. But to be sure, Gembira Loka zoo stretches around 54 acres with numerous bridges across Gadjah wong river. There are some interesting collections in this zoo that I will be showing you later as I take you to explore the zoo with me.
Upon entering the complex, it was still a long way to the main animal complex. Instead, we first are greeted with a welcoming sign of GL zoo which is the acronym of Gembira Loka Zoo.FYI, this zoo is also quite old as it first started to operate in 1956, even older than I do. Then if we take the path to the left, we will see the petting zoo.
Petting Zoo
The petting zoo is a zone in gembira loka that lets visitors feed the animal. Unfortunately, that time we were late. The animals are now being fed by the zookeeper. We met with some of the zookeepers that told us to take pictures of the animals. The animals in the petting zoo are so friendly. The gate isn’t high and you can also touch the animals. I wanted to but I don’t want to disturb their eating time.
After getting out of the petting zoo, there is quite a scenic pool filled with fishes. I forgot to read what the fishes were inside it.
Mammals Zone
As my friend and I walked to the south, there were chimpanzees and two orangutans. They look pretty bored while looking at us with a slight frown. The little one was trying to play around but the mother was observing and just let the kid play as it wanted. Meanwhile as for the chimpanzees, one of them looked pretty aggressive and another looked pretty bored too. I reckon, this is already their resting time as it was already 3 PM and the weather was cool enough for them to have a nap. Next to the chimpanzee, there are the cages of some crocodiles.
There are more than 5 species of crocodiles in this zoo. We got lucky as we saw the crocodiles were being fed with chopped chicken pieces. Like the orangutans, the crocodiles were also chilling and enjoying the nice weather. I wish I could be like them but having to walk a lot, my friend and I were bathed in sweat.
Reptile Parks
Just in front of the crocodile place, the reptile park awaits. I was skipping this place because I am not fond of seeing snakes and the place reminds me of a horror movie where the snake could break the glass and swarm the place. So, I stayed outside while my friend was exploring it. In a pool in front of it. I saw a turtle on the back of a statue-like crocodile. I honestly was curious and wanted to get closer as I thought that the crocodile was a statue just by seeing how brave the turtle was. But apparently, the crocodile is alive and I have no idea how the turtle could get that brave. I hope that turtle is actually a fren with the croc.
After seeing that odd sight, we moved to the lion’s den. Well, it’s not particularly a wild one but at least it was made to mimic their natural habitat. The lion seemed lonely and bored. I swear, by now all the animals in this place look pretty jaded and bored. As if, they are not happy with the humans that are coming to visit them. Then, we got to the bird park.
Bird Park
This bird park is chill with plenty of birds including eagles. I like this part the most because it was almost so natural with less fences and we could see the birds up close. Oh yeah, in each of these parks as part of covid-19 standard, there is a faucet to wash our hands. There are also some reminders about the mask and the safety protocols.
Then,we get to see more crocodiles out of nowhere. The management needs to improve its zoo sign because by now, I don’t know if the place in front of me is the crocodile’s place. Then in the bird park, there are some birds that roam freely in their place. They looked quite content with their place of living. I wonder why they didn’t try to escape it as practically, they are not caged.
Claws Zone
After we walked more, we arrived at the honey bear place. The bear was busy playing and I only got to picture the back of it.
After the honey bear, there is a long alley with a glass window that has some wild cats and tigers. They all look unreal and I wanted to get closer too as they were quite cute. One of them was enjoying the afternoon being bored. Then after taking its picture quite of time, the panther looked right at me, probably saying “ stop taking pictures”
Perhaps, one of the biggest areas in this place is the tiger zone. This lone tiger has its own home with a nice man made waterfall. The tiger can walk around freely and for the visitors, there’s a glass door and also open space to see the tiger up close. The tiger was also moving around so I couldn't take pictures of it properly. I only got to see its back.
Another interesting part about this visit was the otter place. In the past, there were no otters nor tiger. They are part of the new collection and the new building. The otter has quite a bit of space as well with a pool that made my friend and I jealous because it was a hot day and the otters were having a dip. It looked really refreshing. They didn’t mind me and my friend taking pictures,in fact they were a bit friendly and tried to come up close to us.
After that, we walked to the exit and decided to visit the merchandise store. I got a bucket hat and a porcupine doll. My friend got an alligator keychain. The merchandise in the store was so cute and it was difficult to pick the things that we wanted. When I showed my mom about the bucket hat, she said it looked really nice. The print was good and so was the color too.
My friend kept saying that the porcupine is so cute. I couldn’t agree more though, it is just too cute. Here’s the picture and the final picture from this visit! Like the word written on the cup, Stay safe!
 | Mac is a jack of all trades. A typical introvert in love with literature, books, technology and philosophy. She is also so into nootropics, productivity, minimalist lifestyle, cybersecurity, and languages. Other than that, she is passionate about cooking and traveling. In her free time, she enjoys learning various things. If you like her content, don't hesitate to upvote, leave a comment or a feedback. A re-blog is also appreciated. |