A Walk in the "Park"

After living here a year, we finally decided it was time to take a look at the zoo. Most expats we know consider it more of a park than a zoo. And that's actually a good way to approach it. You have lower expectations in terms of the exhibits, etc. In fact many folks use the zoo grounds only for walking, running, biking, etc. B and I had each spoken with folks who go there regularly to get in some exercise. This is probably especially true on weekends, weekend mornings that is.  If you want a nice quiet experience you need to be there when it opens at 7 AM or as close to 7 as you can. By
9 AM a lot of people were there. The entrance fee is certainly reasonable. At today's exchange rate, the cost for adults is 32 cents. See—I said it was reasonable.

A map. We entered and departed from the west gate- Pintu Barat.

WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) lists the following stats on the zoo: 350 acres, 295 species, 4040 individual specimens, established in 1864. We were there at 7 AM  I think we also stayed mostly on the major walkways (for runners, walkers, cyclists). The walkways are paved and very uneven in many places. The major walkways are more even so it's easier to walk.

To be honest, the main reason for going was to walk. The secondary reason was to see the animals. Smaller, more uneven walkways seemed to lead closer to the animal areas. I think in many cases, the yards were still being cleaned at that hour. I also presume that due to possible intrusions of the zoo grounds after hours many animals (major predators, valuable specimens) are locked in at night and not allowed access to the outside until proper staff has arrived and the yards have been cleaned. The zoo's website lists an opening time of 8:30 AM so while the gates open at 7 AM, one shouldn't expect to see too many of the larger animals out and about in their exhibits until later.

Here are some visitor stats for you: On New Year's day in January, the zoo saw 186,456 visitors.  On Idul Fitri weekend in July: Saturday afternoon visitor numbers swelled to 67,000. On Sunday 203,300 visitors were at the zoo.  Wow! I would not wish to be there with that many people.

The zoo has adequate signage but we both thought some were turned around. Many animals sadly are in areas  that lack modern standards, natural vegetation or atmosphere, i.e., many cages/concrete flooring, but some are better. We didn't see the primate area which I've read is nice. I'm glad we did not visit this zoo prior to now, it gave us a chance to view it differently than we might have fresh off the plane.

It is interesting to note that the zoo apparently received 209 billion IDR in 2015 and I read that the zoo would like to meet modern international standards by 2018. Towards that goal, some of the 2015 monies can be used to improve the welfare of the animals, not just operating budget.  Still, I am concerned that 2018 might be too short a time-frame to achieve the goal. Hope they do.

Here is an unusual activity for a zoo—at least I've never run into it before—delman (ponicart rides).

Another unusual activity for a zoo? Many, many warungs ( small food sellers) setting up shop all over the zoo grounds.  There were a couple of more permanent food selling stations. [Side discussion on ice in Indonesia. We all know we should only get ice in drinks at larger hotels and restaurants and the ice should be shaped rather than chips. The reason for this really became clear when we saw blocks of ice lying on the ground (see second picture) and vendors were chipping at the block and using the ice. I am hoping they used this ice only for chilling drink bottles, but still, if you buy a bottle you cannot wash it in clean water before use. Wisely, we did not avail ourselves of any of these food vendors.]

There were a few interesting artistic entries on the grounds: rocky carving and an orangutan sculpture.

Found the free toilets. I guess they are free because you are not supposed to tip the bathroom staff (yellow and blue sign).

Here are a few living collection signs. I thought my zoo friends especially might like to see the bahasa Indonesia information for a few animals.

And a North American backyard favorite:

We will probably do more walking at the zoo on Saturday mornings. And we will go early!

PS I noticed a sign about an app for the zoo. I didn't do anything about it but traffic was heavy leaving the park because of a nearby traditional Betawi wedding so I found and downloaded the app. Looks like a pretty nice app. Will make use of it on our next visit.