By Zaki Salleh
TAIPING: What does it feel like to feed wild animals and clean their enclosures?
This unique experience was shared by 33 participants aged between 10 and 17 who took part in the Junior Zookeeper Challenge at the Pavilion Zoo Taiping & Night Safari (ZTNS), held in conjunction with ZOORAMA 2025.
The program gave participants the opportunity to experience what it’s like to work as a zoo keeper by carrying out typical daily tasks.
Among the exciting activities were cleaning animal exhibit areas, preparing food, and feeding selected animals — all closely supervised by zoo staff.
Participants were also introduced to knowledge on conservation and animal welfare.
This challenge not only served as a hands-on learning platform, but also played a role in stimulating a love for wildlife among the younger generation.
Programs like this are also hoped to inspire new aspirations in fields such as zoology, veterinary science, and animal science in the future.
