Zoo Negara (National Zoo)

Last updated: October 2026

Zoo Negara (the National Zoo of Malaysia) is the country's national zoo, on a hilly, forested site in Hulu Kelang on the north-eastern edge of Kuala Lumpur. It opened in 1963 and is run by the Malaysian Zoological Society, a non-governmental organisation. The zoo describes itself as home to more than 4,000 animals from over 300 species, including Malayan tigers, Asian elephants, orangutans, giraffes and a new pair of giant pandas, Chen Xing and Xiao Yue, who went on show in January 2026.

This guide covers the zoo's history, the main exhibits, the pandas, tickets and hours (checked October 2026), how to get there and tips.

History of Zoo Negara

Zoo Negara is managed by the Malaysian Zoological Society, a non-governmental organisation. Built in Ulu Klang (now spelt Hulu Kelang), it was officially opened on 14 November 1963 by Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia's first prime minister, in the same year that Malaysia was formed. It proved popular quickly: the zoo welcomed its one millionth visitor on 14 November 1966, exactly three years after opening.

Over the following decades the zoo added larger, more natural enclosures, including the Savannah Walk for African animals, an Ape Centre, a Reptile Park, an Insect Zoo and, in 2010, a Hornbill Centre. It has run breeding programmes for threatened species, and has bred more than 200 milky storks, a stork that is endangered in the wild, as well as hornbills and false gharials.

The zoo's best-known residents in recent years were giant pandas. Xing Xing and Liang Liang, on loan from China, lived in the zoo's Giant Panda Conservation Centre for about 11 years before returning to China in May 2025. Under a new conservation cooperation agreement signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia on 16 April 2025, a new pair, the male Chen Xing and the female Xiao Yue, arrived on 18 November 2025. After quarantine they were introduced to the public by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on 10 January 2026, when he also announced an extra RM5 million for maintenance and upgrades at the zoo.

What to See at Zoo Negara

Giant Panda Conservation Centre

The panda centre, home to Chen Xing and Xiao Yue, is the main draw for many visitors, and it includes a learning centre about giant pandas and their conservation. Last admission to the centre is 4:30 pm, half an hour after the zoo's main gate stops admitting visitors, so do not leave it until the end of the day.

Malaysian wildlife

Look for Malayan tigers, Asian elephants and the Ape Centre's orangutans and gibbons. The Hornbill Centre shows several of Malaysia's hornbill species, and the Reptile Park has crocodiles, false gharials and snakes.

Savannah Walk

A large mixed enclosure of African animals, including giraffes, zebras and rhinos, viewed from a walkway.

For children

Children's World has domestic and farm animals children can get close to, and the zoo also has a freshwater aquarium on Malaysian rivers and an Insect Zoo with more than 200 insect species. Animal shows and feeding sessions run during the day; check the schedule at the entrance.

Zoo Negara Tickets, Opening Hours and How Long to Spend

• Hours: daily 9 am to 5 pm. Last admission is 4 pm for the zoo and 4:30 pm for the Giant Panda Conservation Centre.
• Tickets: recent published rates are about RM93 for non-Malaysian adults and RM48 for Malaysian adults, with lower prices for children and senior citizens. Children below 90 cm tall enter free. Rates change and there are frequent promotions, so check the official website before you go.
• Tram: a tram runs around the grounds for an extra fee, which saves a lot of walking on the hills.
• Time needed: at least three hours; half a day if you want to see the pandas, a show and most exhibits.
• Contact: +603-4108 3422.

How to Get to Zoo Negara

• LRT plus Grab: Wangsa Maju LRT station (Kelana Jaya Line) is the nearest. From there it is about 15 minutes to the zoo by Grab or taxi.
• Grab from the city centre: about 25 to 40 minutes from KLCC or Bukit Bintang, depending on traffic, via the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2).
• Driving: the zoo is on Jalan Ulu Kelang next to the MRR2, with a large car park at the entrance.

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive at 9 am. The animals are more active in the cooler morning, and it gets hot in the afternoon.
• The paths are steep in places. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and a hat, and consider the tram if you are with young children or older relatives.
• Weekends and school holidays are busy, especially at the panda centre. Weekdays are calmer.
• Do not feed the animals except in the official feeding sessions.
• There are food outlets and drinks kiosks inside the zoo; outside, Ampang and Wangsa Maju have plenty of restaurants.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so carry an umbrella; the panda centre and some indoor exhibits give shelter.

Zoo Negara (National Zoo) Location

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Zoo Negara Malaysia (official site)
• National Zoo of Malaysia, Wikipedia
• PM introduced to giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue, Bernama (January 2026)
• Malaysians can now meet panda pair Chen Xing and Xiao Yue at Zoo Negara, SAYS (2026)

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