Surabaya Zoo – The Largest Nature’s Habitat of South East Asia

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Surabaya is the capital of the East Java province and the second largest city in Indonesia. When considering the city’s top tourist attractions, the Surabaya Zoo usually takes a leading position as one of the most visited destinations in the city. The zoo is not only the largest of its kind in the country, but also the biggest zoo in South East Asia that occupies more than 15 hectares. The prominent zoo has not only put Surabaya on the map but the entire South East Asian region boasts of the Bonbin as well. The locals, however, prefer to call it the Kebun Binatang Surabaya or the KBS.

The KBS has been the largest and most complete zoo in South East Asia since 1916. It has a width of about 15 hectares. Originally part of the Dutch colonial heritage, the zoo is divided into a nice habitat for birds, a fresh water aquarium and a nocturnal environment. It has more than 400 animal specials both exclusively found in Indonesia and those from abroad and more than 3,500 animals. The zoo was originally built in Kaliondo back in 1916 by a journalist and animal collector named H.F.K. Kommer. A year after, it was moved to Groedo Street. Finally, it was moved along Setail Street 1 beside the Joyoboyo station in year 1920.

Also known as the Bonbin Surabaya, the zoo keeps safe the Komodo dragon, a gigantic lizard that is found in the Komodo Island of Indonesia. This is certainly one of the more interesting animals to see in the zoo, along with the bekantan money, the Sumatra tigers, flamingoes from South America and the Jalak which is a parrot from Bali. The orangutans also remain another zoo star as the sanctuary became popularly known for being the first place to successfully breed orangutans in captivity. All these animals demand attention from visitors of the zoo as these animals are not often seen in other animal habitats.

Now aside from land-based animals, the Surabaya Zoo also has a compelling aquarium that contains a surge of sea animals and reefs. As tourists of the zoo have only been increasing in number, the aquarium has been renovated and reopened many times to accommodate an even bigger and better aquarium.

The decades-old zoo has also proven to be beneficial to the sanctuary as dozens of skyscraping trees surround the entire area. These trees grow quite high as they majestically tower over the zoo’s surroundings, making visitors feel an intense wildlife atmosphere. The animal sanctuary is also home to the country’s tropical native plants and flowers, which make it a great way for visitors to know about Indonesia’s flora and fauna.

The zoo is also equipped with a tower that offers visitors a great way to enjoy a panoramic view of the zoo’s backdrop. Animal lovers will also get the chance to ride on the back of one of the biggest mammals on earth, the elephants. They can also hop on for a bumpy ride on the back of camels. Additional amenities and services of the zoo include dining establishments, a children’s playground and even insurance claims in case of accidents.

The Surabaya Zoo is found just 3 kilometers south of the city with a strategic location that can easily be reached. The philosophy of the Bonbin Surabaya is that the great variation of animals on earth is the greatest gift and benefit of god to man in order to sustain the balance nature. Man must then be thankful to the god by taking care of his creation. Bonbin Surabaya aims to encourage compassion towards nature and animals, especially towards the young. The zoo believes that harnessing kindhearted feelings towards nature and its contents will produce great outcomes in later years when it comes to taking care of the planet. The zoo is also a conservation venue that makes great efforts in treating and breeding different animals. Bonbin also continues to develop new habitats and supporting facilities for even more animals for the utmost protection and conservation of nature. Its main goals then are in protecting and conserving such animals and at the same time, educating the visitors about such wild species.