Gembira Loka Zoo

Gembira Loka Zoo in Jogjakarta is one of the famous zoos in Indonesia.

The zoo is well maintained, people enjoy visit it to see the wild animals, watch performances of the trained animals, take some rides, and have a picnic on the lawn.

The number of animals here are not as many as Ragunan zoo in Jakarta, however, Gembira Loka Zoo has a collection of special wild animals. They are:


Explore Gembira Loka Zoo in Yogyakarta | Observe the many wild animals live in the zoo | Feed the lory birds | Meet the Jackass Penguin | #ExploreSunda
Jackass Penguin a.k.a. Black Footed Penguin at Gembira Loka Zoo


Jackass penguin.

These little penguins are from South Africa. Despite of their small body, they are called jackass because their cries similar to male donkeys. Their feet are black, hence, they also known as black-footed penguin. These African penguins are the highlight of Gembira Loka Zoo during our visit in June 2015. Their habitat is in the back of the zoo, at the bird park. The visitors can watch the zoo keeper feed them at 9.30 and 13.00.


Aldabra tortoise

from the Aldabra atoll in Seychelles. This giant tortoise is one of the largest tortoises in the world.


Aldabra, the Giant Tortoise, at Gembira Loka Zoo
Sun Bear at Gembira Loka Zoo


You also can see other wild animals such as orang utan, chimpanzee, sun bears, crocodiles, tigers, elephants, deer, horses, ostrich, porcupine and many varieties of birds. They all have their own habitats.

One thing I wonder is why most of the habitats’ ground are made of cements. Won’t it be too harsh for the animals? Perhaps if these wild animals can live in the more natural habitat they can be more comfortable.



The most attractive habitat we, at the ExploreSunda.com, found is the Bird Park, also known as the Bird Kingdom.

You will see many varieties of birds there, including many birds of prey such as eagle and owl.

Various Birds of Prey at Gembira Loka Zoo

The best part of this bird park is the habitat where you can walk inside the dome and birds fly freely there. The zoo keeper provides free food in small cups at the entrance. You may take them inside to feed lory birds. It’s so much fun! The lory birds are very used to humans feeding them, so they will come near you as soon as they spot the cups in your hands. Then they eat greedily.

Fun facts: Can you guess what food we give to those birds? It’s baby food!

Feeding Lory Birds at Gembira Loka Zoo

In addition to observing wild animals in their habitats, you also can see performances of some of the trained animals and watch the zoo keeper feed penguins, tigers, chimpanzee, arapaima, snake, and little black cormorant seabird. The show and some of the animal feeds don’t occur everyday, hence, the best time to watch them is during weekends or national holidays. The only downside is the zoo will be crowded.

Family Recreation and Rides in Gembira Loka Zoo

Gembira Loka Zoo has a huge man-made lake in the center of the zoo. A boat called Mayang Tirta docked at one of the lake side. You can dine-in and hang out here.

You will find many water rides in this lake:

  • Perahu katamaran, a big boat that carries many passengers to sail around the lake.
  • Speed boat.
  • At the corner of the lake you can rent a pedalling boat, in the shape of the swan.
  • Ride a banana boat.
  • Cross the lake using a bamboo raft.
Crossing the Lake using Bamboo Raft at Gembira Loka Zoo

If you prefer to ride an ATV, you will find the track near the east entrance gate.

Instead of a horse ride, Gembira Loka offers an elephant ride and camel ride. Too bad they only circle a small track. We, at the ExploreSunda.com, prefers the elephant ride in Taman Safari Indonesia.

At the bank of the lake, there is a garden called Gua Sarpa. The entrance to the garden is through a tunnel in the form of a dinosaur.

Gua Sarpa Garden at Gembira Loka Zoo

Ticket:
Rp. 30,000 per person

Opening Hours:
07.30-17.30

Address:
Jalan Kebun Raya No. 2
Jogjakarta

How do you prefer to explore Gembira Loka Zoo? Instead of walking, you can rent a bicycle (they offer tandem bikes too) or ride an open vehicle called Taring (Transportasi Keliling). You can hop on and off Taring on the many stations around the zoo.


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