The Johor Zoo received 19,461 visitors on its first day of reopening on the 31st of August. It is said to be highest visitor turnout since it first opened to the public in 1962.
Johor Housing and Local Government Committee Chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor confirmed that the zoo, which had been closed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw an increase in visitors from 6.30am until the ticket counter closed at 5pm.
“Yesterday marked the highest number of visitors since the Johor Zoo opened to the public in 1962,” he was reported as saying.
Of the total number, 310 were non-citizens, with visitors coming from all over Johor.
While the turnout was significant, Mohd Jafni stated that the zoo’s operations could still be improved.
“The state government is committed to ensuring the comfort and safety of visitors at Malaysia’s oldest zoo. We hope Johor Zoo will become a key tourist attraction as we work towards the Johor Visit Year 2026 agenda,” he added.
The 96-year-old, 12.5-hectare zoo is home to more than 275 animals, including tigers, monkeys, elephants, and tapirs.
The recent upgrades were done in preparation for its reopening.
Prior to the reopening, Dato Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Johor Menteri Besar announced a 50% discount on adult tickets and free tickets for children, the disabled, and senior citizens aged 60 and up for the first month of the Zoo’s reopening.
