Surabaya Zoo — Attraction in Surabaya

Do a google search on Surabaya Zoo and you will find some stories on the disgusting state of the zoo and the poor animal care that previously resulted in the death of animals contained there. I had to go and see it for myself to see if it had improved. The price is not posted anywhere at the front gate so just ask how much it is to enter I think I paid 15k. The grounds are in poor condition with the odd sign-board posting directions so just keep walking you always end up near the middle or at a main gate. The paths themselves are in poor condition with the usual trippng hazzards of missing pavers or holes int he ground. There are some bench seats scattered around but most were filled up with people, I also noticed no rubbish bins but this is not unusual for Indonesia. Some of the animals appeared distressed, the elephants were rocking and swaying from side to side in a metal coral whilst their mate was being fed. The tiger was howling, the ostrich had a sore eye and others appeared to be standing on sand with poor shelter. Stupid children are running around throwing straw in the deer enclosures which they come up to eat so I assume they are hungry regardless though, most of the deer do appear quite tame and approach the gate as I walk past. The food venues of which there few are dirty and disgusting and there are some drink vendors dotted around the grounds. There is an elephant ride attraction, which seems popular for that visitors, I doubt the elephant agrees. There is also a huge landscaped parkland with green coloured lake and boat rides at the top end beyond the exit gates. This area was the nicest area of the zoo with great vistas to photograph, I was quite impressed. As I leave the Zoo I decide to visit the bathroom and boy was that a big mistake, it was the most disgusting bathroom I have seen in Indonesia in almost 30 days of travelling 4 islands. The government needs to sell the animals and turn the land into something that the community both locally and internationally could enjoy. The worst excuse for a tourist attraction...

Title: A Decent Experience at Surabaya Zoo: A Glimpse into Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Review:

During my recent visit to Surabaya Zoo, I was aware of the challenges it has faced in maintaining a diverse animal population. While it is true that there aren't as many animals as there used to be, I found the experience to be decent, considering the circumstances.

Surabaya Zoo has a long history and is one of the oldest zoos in Southeast Asia. It holds significant cultural value and has played a role in wildlife conservation in the region. Despite the challenges it has faced, the zoo continues to provide visitors with an opportunity to see and learn about various animal species.

The remaining animals at Surabaya Zoo are well-cared for. The enclosures are clean and spacious, providing a comfortable environment for the animals. The zookeepers and staff are dedicated, and you can see their passion for animal welfare. They are knowledgeable and willing to share information about the animals, their habitats, and conservation efforts.

In addition to the animal exhibits, Surabaya Zoo offers various educational programs and initiatives. These activities aim to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species. It's inspiring to see the zoo's commitment to educating visitors and promoting conservation efforts in the community.

While it is disappointing that some animal species are no longer present, Surabaya Zoo still offers a decent experience. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by zoos in maintaining diverse populations and underscores the importance of conservation efforts. By visiting the zoo, you support their mission and contribute to wildlife conservation initiatives.

Overall, despite the reduced number of animals, Surabaya Zoo provides a decent experience for visitors. Its historical significance, dedication to animal welfare, and educational programs make it an interesting destination for those interested in wildlife conservation and learning about the region's...

This Zoo seems to have improved a lot since it was having trouble some years ago. I was at first concerned because of what people posted on the internet before, but it looks like they really have been taking better care of the Zoo when I went there in person April 9th, 2019.

However, the Zoo still needs some touch ups to appeal to abroad travelers. For now, the Zoo seems to be meeting the expectations of local people rather than international. I as a westerner (bule) don’t expect the Zoo to look like a perfect theme park, but there were some areas that really needed to be repainted such as the boats, structures, and decor. Many of the buildings really need to be repaired or remodeled, and not seem abandoned. Also there needs to be improved shops rather than having the same shops selling the same items at every location. I also think Internationals might feel surprised by the line of old houses around the wall of the Zoo.

But I was happy to see that the animals seemed to be well fed, fat and happy or generally satisfied and maybe only a bit bored or hot from tropical climate. The aquarium was very clean, I absolutely loved the little mosque building in the giraffe exhibition! I also loved seeing all the Indonesian animals I’ve never ever seen anywhere else in Japan and America so it was really great to see all the unique animals of Java, Kalimantan, and Bali!

Please keep up the renovations and improvements! I’d come again to see how it’s improved and changed with my Indonesian...