He said RM250,000 is needed to buy food for 550 animals representing 250 species being housed at the zoo. “The zoo needs at least 250kg of chicken meat and beef a month as well as fruits and vegetables to feed the animals,” he said.

“The zoo has been closed for almost six months but the municipal council still has to cover the operating costs or rely on funds from private organisations and companies, government and the public, especially to buy animal feed for the wildlife to survive.”

Shadan said the animals’ food intake cannot be rationed as they must be fed with the necessary nutrients as recommended by veterinary officers who monitor the health of the animals.

He said the council had been collecting funds for the zoo and to date RM200,000 has been raised.

“We welcome public donations to help ease the burden following the closure of Melaka Zoo,” he said.

He said the federal agricultural marketing authority had donated 20 tonnes of fruits and vegetables since the MCO was enforced last year.