Ipoh’s Wild Classroom
Ipoh’s Petting Zoo Café Offers Hands-on Learning and Responsible Interaction with Exotic and Domestic Animals.
By Yashila Issabelle
Tired of the usual weekend routine or planning what to do during the holidays?
Ipoh now boasts a unique spot that blends hands-on learning with family fun.
Tucked away in Greentown, D’Pets Kingdom is an experiential centre (part petting zoo, part café) that offers local families a fascinating, up-close look at the animal kingdom.
It’s a living classroom for developing empathy and biological curiosity.
What makes this two-storey facility truly special is its diverse collection of species, many non-native to Malaysia.
Imagine your child meeting a Capybara from South America or observing the unique behaviour of Prairie dogs and American Pygmy Goats.
The centre is home to an extraordinary mix of wildlife: from friendly ducks and speaking birds to reptiles, both with and without legs, including iguanas, chameleons, an impressive 8-foot snake, dwarf rabbits, guinea pigs and many more.
This exposure helps break down textbook barriers, fostering a real understanding of global biodiversity.
Adults and children alike often find themselves fascinated, seeing animals up close that are typically only found in faraway lands.
Hands-On Learning, No Time Limit
The educational model here is completely interactive.
It moves beyond just looking and focuses on practical skills.
Children and students many visiting as part of kindergarten and school trips, learn:
- Animal Handling: They discover how to safely interact with, hold, and play with animals like rabbits, cats, and dogs, building confidence and overcoming initial fears.
- Natural Instincts: Knowledgeable guides are on hand to assist during feeding sessions and interactions, explaining animal behaviours, natural instincts, and care routines.
- Sensory and Social Skills: Without the pressure of a time limit, kids are free to make new friends, interact socially, and stimulate their senses through varied textures, sounds, and movements.
For dog lovers, the centre features a dedicated space where visitors can spend time petting, feeding and observing many different dog breeds, offering a comfortable setting to learn about canine behaviour and diversity.
A Fun Day Out for the Entire Family
After a session of hands-on learning, parents can settle into the cosy, air-conditioned café space, which serves steamboat, teppanyaki, coffee, fresh drinks and many other varieties.
It’s a comfortable spot to catch up with friends or get some quiet work done, all while the children are safely engaged nearby.
The facility also serves the broader Ipoh pet community.
It features a fantastic shaded outdoor pool where guests can bring their own pets for a splash.
Due to its beautiful space and unique appeal, the venue even hosts pet-lover weddings every now and then, offering an unforgettable location for animal enthusiasts to celebrate.
Open daily from 10am, D Pets offers a stimulating blend of fun and education.
For more information contact them on WhatsApp at +60 19-331 9400 or head on to their Facebook @D’ Pets Kingdom for more pictures and information.
Address: 8, Lebuh Satu, Greentown Ipoh, 30450 Ipoh, Perak
