“Animal health checks are carried out daily by the Ragunan medical team,” said Endah Rumiyati, head of the zoo’s management unit. She added that animals are given multivitamins to prevent stress and loss of appetite.
“There is no sign of stress or appetite loss thanks to habituation of animals to their surroundings,” she said.
Lighting inside animal enclosures has also been adjusted to maximize comfort.
On its first trial Saturday night (Oct. 11), the zoo welcomed 3,713 visitors. The tally included 318 cars, 651 motorcycles, and 39 bicycles.
The nighttime program runs every Saturday night from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time.
During the trial, about one-quarter of the zoo area was activated, including a 1.8km walking path, a food court with local vendors near the roundabout, and four nocturnal animal zones featuring small mammals (binturong, porcupine, civet), reptiles (snakes, turtles), tigers, and hippos.
Visitors travel through the zoo in five-person shuttle carts at fixed rates. Zookeepers give feeding demonstrations and conduct educational talks on a set schedule.
An “e-car” service is also available for rent at Rp250,000 per hour, accommodating five people.
The program also features “Night Workout at Ragunan Zoo,” allowing visitors to exercise along the 1.8km route amid greenery and nighttime animal sounds. It caters to individuals or groups looking for a novel way to spend a weekend evening.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo had earlier said that night access would allow residents to visit and exercise in Ragunan.
He emphasized that private vehicles will not be allowed; visitors must use shuttle vehicles to maintain order and avoid disturbing the animals.
The zoo management says it will evaluate the trial, especially parking logistics, and has proposed using an elevated parking system to reduce congestion.
Supporting infrastructure like lighting, road illumination, and nightfriendly enclosures have been installed in a careful way to avoid disrupting animal behavior.
Security guards and guides will monitor visitor activity throughout operating hours.
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Translator: Luthfia MP, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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