Located in the north of downtown Yangon near Kandawgyi Lake, the Yangon Zoological Gardens covers an area of 69.25-acres. Operated by the Forest Department under the Ministry of Forestry until April 2011, now a private firm operates it. It is one of the oldest and the second largest zoo in Myanmar and includes a museum of natural history, an aquarium and an amusement park. The zoo holds a collection of more than 200 species of birds and 1100 animals. Every year, it welcomes approximately 2.2 million visitors.
Established in 1901, the first collection of wild animals initiated since 1882 in corporation with the Phayre’s Museum, which was then located at the present site of the Yangon General Hospital. Later, the collected animals were shifted gradually to their new enclosures. The zoo underwent a renovation program between 2003 and 2006, resulting in an increase in the number of visitors from previous years.
The Zoo has about 145 different species of native animals, including eight endangered species of tiger, takin, Asian elephant, clouded leopard, Burmese large tortoise, great hornbill, marsh crocodile, and eld’s deer. Visitors can take a trip around the zoo via riding an elephant or a horse.
Image Source : Myanmars.Net