- Address: Jalan Kebun Binatang No.6, Lebak Siliwangi, Coblong, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40123, Indonesia
- Area: 14 hectares
- Opening: 1933
- Phone: +62 22 2502770
- Working hours: daily 07: 00-17: 00
In one of the largest cities of Indonesia , Bandung , is the zoo Kebun Binatang Bandung. It is known not so much for a large animal population, as for cruel methods, because of which it became famous throughout Southeast Asia and around the world.
History of Bandung Zoo
Until 1933, there were two zoos in the city - Cimindi and Dago Atas. Subsequently, they were merged and transferred to Taman Sari Street. In the same year, in the botanical garden of Jubilee, built in 1923 in honor of the silver jubilee of the Netherlands Queen Wilhelmina, the Bandung Zoo was established.
In the 30 years of the last century, he actively expanded and developed. As a result, the territory of the Bandung zoo increased to 14 hectares, which allowed placing 2,000 animals on it.
Features of Bandung Zoo
To date, the territory of the zoo is inhabited by animals typical of Indonesia and imported from other countries of the world. In the zoo of Bandung, you can get acquainted with the entire equatorial fauna of the island of Java , which is known for its stunning landscapes and unique nature. In total, there are 79 species of endemic animals and 134 species of animals protected both in the country and outside it. Plants growing in the garden, serve to protect its inhabitants from the sun, wind and rain.
Great popularity among visitors to Bandung Zoo enjoys an aviary with giant dragons from the island of Komodo . These huge Indonesian lizards are considered the world's largest lizards. At a weight of 90 kg, the body length of some animals reaches 3 m. Half of this length falls on a powerful tail.
In addition to the lizards, in the territory of the Bandung zoo you can:
- watch tigers, bears;
- feed the toucans, parrots and other birds with nuts, which are sold at the entrance to the zoo;
- look at giraffes, zebras, monkeys, horses, kangaroos, porcupines.
In the zoo you can hire a boat to go for a walk on the local lake. There is also a playground and an educational center, whose activities are aimed at instilling in the younger generation an understanding of the wealth of local flora and fauna.
The popularity of Bandung Zoo
In recent years, this zoo has received a wide negative advertising, which caused improper care of animals. On the Internet there are always shocking pictures depicting haggard, sick and begging bears, deer and other animals. Some visitors to Bandung Zoo claim that they saw how some of its inhabitants were chained to the ground and ate the waste of their life.
In 2015, the mayor of the city said that he had no authority to close an object that was privately owned. The official representative of the zoo said that the animals are kept in proper conditions. Local residents and foreign citizens are asked to close the Bandung zoo and redistribute its inhabitants to the organizations involved in their conservation.
How to get to the Bandung Zoo?
In order to see the well-known in all South-East Asia zoo, you need to go to the west of the island of Java. The zoo is located 3 km north of the city center of Bandung near the Institute of Technology. Less than 500 meters away are the bus stops Day Trans Cihampelas, STBA Yaspari and Masjid Jami Sabiil Vnnajah, which can be reached via route 03, 11A, 11B and others.
From the center of Bandung to the zoo can be reached by car. For this, you need to move north along the Jl roads. Taman Sari, Jl. Banda and Jl. Lombok. So all the way will take 12-14 minutes.