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MELAKA (Bernama): A calm atmosphere prevails at the Melaka Zoo due to the implementation of the motion control order.
The head of its zoology unit, Azman Ghazali, said that when visitors were allowed in, the animals were often seen to be passive and even scared.
Changes in the animals’ behavior are now evident even in the mating behavior of a group of six black panthers.
“There are six panthers at the Melaka Zoo and we have recently observed the mating pattern of four of them,” he said when meeting Bernama here.
This development may bring a new story to the conservation center if the female panther becomes pregnant and gives birth at the Melaka Zoo.
So far, the Melaka Zoo has not given birth to a panther despite preserving the species for 12 years in various stages. This includes having a female panther that was fostered about six months ago.
“My hope is that the two (the couple) have healthy cubs so that after this we can design a program to release these valuable species back to their original habitat.
“The chances of the female panther becoming pregnant are high because the animal keeper is more focused on making observations, preparing a nutritious diet, providing a better playing area and being able to prepare for delivery,” he said.
Meanwhile, Azman said that other animals also show the possibility of reproducing more in this peaceful new environment at the zoo.
“For example, parrots are among the ‘key species’ at the Melaka Zoo. There are more than 20 species such as the blue and gold macaw and the scarlet macaw, and these birds need a calm atmosphere to incubate their eggs in the nest. .
“If the bird is depressed or bothered by visitors, it will leave its nest and prevent the egg from hatching,” he said.
Meanwhile, the wildlife assistant for the zoology unit, Muhammad Aizad Faizatul Azreen, said that although the Melaka Zoo is not open during the current MCO period, a total of 40 trained animal keepers still have to work daily to guarantee the welfare, safety and health of the animals in their care. .
Muhammad Aizad, who serves as the zoo’s supervisor, said that during this period, animal keepers can spend more time “strengthening” relationships and improving interaction, and also more clearly understand the behavior of each animal in their care. – Bernama
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