GEORGE TOWN, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- A pair of alpacas - Benny and Jenny - have become the Mini Zoo Utara's main attraction at the ongoing Pesta Pulau Pinang 2024/2025, held at Tapak Pesta Sungai Nibong, near here.
Donning sunglasses, the charming duo from Australia captivated visitors of all ages, drawing crowds eager to take photos and feed them, making the alpacas a hit among both children and adults.
Their owner, Alim Jefferi Abdullah Aziz, 40, said that this is the first time the mini zoo has participated in the festival, marking the largest event his team has been involved in, under the theme ‘Alpaca and Friends'.
In addition to the alpacas, the event features nearly 70 species of animals, including raccoons, parrots, iguanas, snakes, and the world’s smallest goats, all of which have been brought in from overseas.
“The theme ‘Alpaca and Friends’ was chosen because alpacas are a rare sight in Penang. We wanted to give visitors, especially locals, the opportunity to get up close and personal with these unique animals,” he said.
“Usually, if you want to see an alpaca, you’d have to travel to Cameron Highlands or visit a zoo. But for Pesta Pulau Pinang, we’ve brought alpacas here. Visitors not only get to see and touch them, but can also take pictures with them and other animals,” said Alim Jefferi, when met by Bernama at the festival grounds.
He added that the entrance fee is RM10 for adults and RM8 for children, with free admission for children under two years old and individuals with disabilities. Visitors can enjoy the mini zoo without any time restrictions.
Apart from showcasing the animals, he highlighted that his team also provides educational information about the various species, supported by six dedicated staff members to enhance the visitor experience.
Since its opening on Dec 21, the mini zoo has enjoyed an overwhelming response, attracting a steady stream of visitors from its 5.30 pm opening until late at night.
“We will be here until Feb 2. We warmly welcome anyone interested in exploring various exotic animals to visit our mini zoo,” he said.
Meanwhile, a visitor, M. Keethanjali, 29, said that he was intrigued by the animals at the mini zoo, as many of them are rarely seen.
“I came here with a friend who’s an animal lover. Although I’m not a huge fan myself, I felt excited and had a lot of fun seeing so many different animals,” said Keethanjali, who travelled from Sungai Petani, Kedah.
--BERNAMA
