A blue peafowl is seen at the Yangon Zoological Garden in Yangon, Myanmar, Jan. 25, 2024. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)
YANGON, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Yangon Zoological Garden, the oldest zoo in Myanmar, celebrated its 118th anniversary on Thursday.
A four-day ceremony starting from Thursday is being held at the zoo, featuring animal presentations, a gallery sharing knowledge about wildlife animals, a music band, dance performances, games for children, magic shows and a market fair.
The Yangon Zoological Garden, which opened in January 1906, provides visitors with education about wild animals and relaxation, allowing visitors to witness the behaviors of the animals and their habits, Warden of the Yangon Zoological Garden Than Myint Tun told Xinhua.
People visit the Yangon Zoological Garden in Yangon, Myanmar, Jan. 25, 2024. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)
Students can study botany and zoology, Than Myint Tun said, adding that the zoo also supports breeding programs to preserve endangered species.
Zarchi Thein, a teacher of Pyinnyartagun private primary school, said she came to visit the zoo with her students when she heard about the zoo's birthday.
"I send them to the zoo once a year to study the behavior of animals and habitats. The children can see a variety of animals here, including endangered animals," she said.
People feed a hippopotamus at the Yangon Zoological Garden in Yangon, Myanmar, Jan. 25, 2024. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)
"The Yangon Zoological Garden has existed since my childhood. I visit the zoo every year and I wish the zoo will last for many years to come," she added.
At present, the Yangon Zoological Garden is home to 45 species of mammals, 72 species of birds and 19 species of reptiles, amounting to over 136 species and over 2,000 animals. ■