Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is a city steeped in history and is home to a rich cultural heritage. Featuring a blend of old world charm and bustling development, the city offers countless hours of fun and adventure for those exploring the cosmopolitan cityscape. Jakarta also has plenty of attractions that can be enjoyed by the entire family such as the Ragunan Zoo.
Located around 16kms from the city centre, this popular zoo features more than 270 animal species and a wide range of plant and tree life as well. Constructed using an “open zoo” design plan, the site has over 3,000 animals from around the world. Set amidst patches of lush greenery, Ragunan Zoo Jakarta is where one can view such indigenous animals as the Java tiger, the Komodo lizard, the wild ox, the tapir and the banteng.
The history of the zoo dates back to 1864 when it was inaugurated by an organisation by the name of Vereneging Plantenen Dierentuin. The first zoo was located in Batavia before it was moved to its current location in 1966.
One of the main highlights at the site is the Schmutzer Primate Centre. Established in 2002, this privately funded and managed centre is spread across 13-hectares. One of the largest of its kind in the world, the centre is where one can see such primates as orang-utans, gorillas and chimpanzees in settings that reflect their natural environments in the wild. Ragunan Zoo also features open ranges where amidst natural settings such as swamps, rivers and wetlands you can view such animals as hippopotamus’, crocodiles and deer.
Animals such as the American black bear, raccoons, leopards, Sumatran elephants, camels, Sumatran and Bengal tigers, Javan porcupines and lions are among the mammals you can view at the zoo. Asian reticulated phytons, king cobras, Komodo dragons and albino pythons are some of the reptilian residents at the site, while bird lovers can view such species as the palm cockatoo, white-bellied sea eagle, Javan peafowl and the Javan hawk-eagle.