Visitors To Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary Up 34 Pct In 2007, Says ECER (Malaysia)
Visitors To Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary Up 34 Pct In 2007, Says ECER (Malaysia)
Bernama
September 29. 2008
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- The National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah has seen a 34 percent increase in visitors in 2007 compared to the previous year.
Earmarked as a wildlife reserve under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), the centre received a total of 81,017 visitors last year from 60,436 in 2006, ECER said in statement here today.
The centre's elephant unit chief, Nasharuddin Othman, said most of the foreign tourists who visited the elephant sanctuary were from Australia, UK, New Zealand, Japan and Germany.
He said the number of both local and foreign visitors keep increasing every year.
"In 2005, there were 38,863 visitors. This figure rose to 60,436 in 2006. We have attracted a lot of visitors due to the fact that this is the only place in Malaysia where visitors are able to observe closely and understand the handling and management of trans-located Asian elephants," Nasharuddin said.
He said centre offered visitors an enriching lifetime experience by allowing them to participate in daily routines such as riding, feeding and bathing the elephants in the river.
"There are plans under the ECER to include our centre as an eco-tourism destination," he said.
The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, located near the Krau Wildlife Reserve, was established in 1985 by the Development of Wildlife and National Parks.
There are currently 12 elephants under their care, including two 70-year-old female elephants named Mek Bunga and Lokimala.
Article at the following link:
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=361913
Bernama
September 29. 2008
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- The National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah has seen a 34 percent increase in visitors in 2007 compared to the previous year.
Earmarked as a wildlife reserve under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), the centre received a total of 81,017 visitors last year from 60,436 in 2006, ECER said in statement here today.
The centre's elephant unit chief, Nasharuddin Othman, said most of the foreign tourists who visited the elephant sanctuary were from Australia, UK, New Zealand, Japan and Germany.
He said the number of both local and foreign visitors keep increasing every year.
"In 2005, there were 38,863 visitors. This figure rose to 60,436 in 2006. We have attracted a lot of visitors due to the fact that this is the only place in Malaysia where visitors are able to observe closely and understand the handling and management of trans-located Asian elephants," Nasharuddin said.
He said centre offered visitors an enriching lifetime experience by allowing them to participate in daily routines such as riding, feeding and bathing the elephants in the river.
"There are plans under the ECER to include our centre as an eco-tourism destination," he said.
The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, located near the Krau Wildlife Reserve, was established in 1985 by the Development of Wildlife and National Parks.
There are currently 12 elephants under their care, including two 70-year-old female elephants named Mek Bunga and Lokimala.
Article at the following link:
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=361913