Bali Zoo | Denpasar

Bali Zoo: A Family-Friendly Wildlife Experience

The Bali Zoo is one of Bali’s most popular wildlife attractions, located in Singapadu Village, Gianyar, Bali. Known for its beautiful setting amidst lush tropical gardens, the zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from Indonesia and around the world. With over 350 animals representing 80 species, the Bali Zoo offers visitors an immersive experience to connect with wildlife, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy a fun day out with family and friends.

1. Overview of Bali Zoo

Location:

• The Bali Zoo is located in Singapadu, just a short drive from Ubud, Sanur, and Denpasar. It is about a 30-minute drive from the main tourist areas, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring central Bali.

Size and Layout:

• The zoo is set within 12 acres of lush, tropical land, offering ample space for animals to roam within spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. The zoo's layout includes themed areas that house animals from different ecosystems like the rainforest, savanna, and wetlands.

Mission:

• Bali Zoo's mission is focused on wildlife conservation, education, and awareness. It plays an important role in promoting the protection of endangered species and educating the public about the importance of preserving wildlife and their natural environments.

2. Animal Exhibits and Species

Indigenous Indonesian Species:

• The zoo is home to a variety of Indonesian species, including iconic animals such as the Sumatran tiger, orangutans, Komodo dragons, binturongs, and the Bali Starling (a critically endangered species). The zoo has dedicated enclosures where visitors can learn about the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these native animals.

Exotic Species from Around the World:

• In addition to Indonesian wildlife, the zoo also features animals from Africa, Australia, and South America, including:
  • African lions
  • Tigers
  • Leopards
  • Zebras
  • Giraffes
  • Koalas
  • Meerkats
  • Wallabies

Themed Zones:

• The zoo is divided into several thematic zones that group animals according to their habitat:
  • The Rainforest Zone: Home to species from tropical rainforests, including Sumatran tigers, orangutans, and binturongs.
  • The African Savannah: Featuring lions, giraffes, zebras, and antelope.
  • The Australian Section: Housing koalas, kangaroos, and emus.
  • The Primates Section: Dedicated to various species of monkeys and apes, including orangutans, gibbons, and macques.
  • The Birds of Paradise: Home to exotic bird species like hornbills, parrots, and flamingos.

Interactive Exhibits:

• The zoo features interactive exhibits where visitors can get up close with animals and even engage in feeding and petting sessions. Some of the more popular interactive experiences include:
  • Petting zoo: Where visitors can pet and feed friendly animals such as goats, sheep, and rabbits.
  • Orangutan encounter: Visitors can interact with the orangutans, one of the zoo's most beloved residents.
  • Elephant feeding: A chance to feed the zoo’s Sumatran elephants and learn about their behavior and conservation.

3. Activities and Experiences

Animal Shows and Demonstrations:

• Bali Zoo offers daily animal shows where visitors can watch trained animals perform and interact with their handlers. Some popular shows include:
  • The Elephant Show: Featuring the zoo’s elephants, showcasing their skills, intelligence, and training.
  • Bird Shows: With colorful parrots, hornbills, and cockatoos performing tricks and interacting with visitors.
  • Animal Education Sessions: These sessions educate guests about various species, conservation efforts, and the zoo's initiatives in protecting wildlife.

Zoo Safari and Night Safari:

• Zoo Safari: Visitors can enjoy a safari-style tour through the zoo’s large enclosures in a comfortable vehicle, giving a close-up view of the animals in more natural settings.
• Night Safari: This special activity allows visitors to experience the zoo after dark, when many of the animals are more active. This experience provides a unique perspective on how animals behave in their natural nocturnal environment. The tour also includes a dinner with the animals, where guests dine under the stars while observing the zoo’s nighttime creatures.

Feeding Sessions:

• Visitors can participate in animal feeding sessions, where they can feed animals like elephants, giraffes, and kangaroos. These interactive experiences are educational and offer a hands-on way to connect with the animals.

4. Conservation and Education

Breeding Programs:

• The Bali Zoo plays a key role in breeding endangered species and promoting their conservation. It participates in various breeding programs for species like the Bali starling, Sumatran tiger, and orangutans, with the goal of increasing populations and reintroducing them into their native habitats.

Wildlife Conservation Efforts:

• The zoo is involved in several conservation initiatives both locally and internationally, working with various wildlife organizations to protect endangered animals and their habitats. It also collaborates with conservation projects focused on rehabilitating and releasing animals back into the wild.

Educational Programs:

• Bali Zoo is dedicated to wildlife education, with programs aimed at raising awareness among visitors, especially children, about the importance of animal welfare, biodiversity, and sustainability. The zoo hosts educational workshops and environmental campaigns to inspire action toward wildlife conservation.

5. Visitor Amenities

Café and Restaurants:

• The zoo has several dining options, including a café and restaurant, where visitors can enjoy a variety of meals, snacks, and drinks. Dining areas are often set in scenic locations with views of the zoo's enclosures, allowing guests to relax while enjoying the surroundings.

Souvenir Shops:

• Bali Zoo has souvenir shops that sell a variety of animal-themed products, including t-shirts, toys, books, and handicrafts. These make great gifts and mementos to remember the visit.

Facilities:

• The zoo is equipped with bathrooms, rest areas, and shaded spots, ensuring that visitors have a comfortable experience. There is also ample parking available for guests traveling by car.

6. Best Time to Visit

Opening Hours:

• The Bali Zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat and to see the animals when they are most active.

Best Season:

• Bali's dry season, which lasts from April to October, is the best time to visit, as the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. However, the zoo is open year-round, and animals are well cared for throughout all seasons.

7. Conclusion

The Bali Zoo offers an unforgettable experience for animal lovers, families, and wildlife enthusiasts. With its diverse range of animals, interactive exhibits, educational programs, and conservation efforts, the zoo provides an engaging and fun environment for all ages. Whether you're looking to learn about wildlife conservation, enjoy up-close encounters with exotic animals, or simply have a great day out, the Bali Zoo is a must-visit destination in Bali.