Surabaya Zoo, once Indonesia’s largest and most renowned wildlife park, later gained a notorious reputation as the “Zoo of Death.” I only discovered this fact through countless articles after returning to Singapore. Originally opened in 1916, the zoo fell into decline due to mismanagement, lack of funding, and overcrowding. Reports of poor animal welfare, malnutrition, and neglect surfaced, leading to frequent animal deaths. One of the most infamous cases was that of Michael, a rare Sumatran tiger that died from digestive issues caused by malnutrition.
After having breakfast and a cup of coffee nearby, we headed to the entrance of Surabaya Zoo. Aside from the interesting shark and crocodile sculpture (Suro and Boyo Statue) outside, the entrance looked rather uninviting. Faded signs hung overhead, and instead of the vibrant atmosphere I had expected, there was a heavy silence. We purchased entrance tickets for Rp.15,000 each, opting out of the bundle package. The full package included an additional Rp.5,000 for the Wahana Kids Zoo and Rp.25,000 for the Wahana Aquarium.
Exploring Surabaya Zoo
Besides spotting more faded signs upon entering the zoo, I noticed cages that looked rusted and worn. The enclosures felt too small, with some appearing overcrowded. Most of the animals seemed lethargic or perhaps too weak to move. As we strolled through the zoo, I wasn’t even sure if I was enjoying the experience.
The crowd that day was moderate, consisting mainly of local families with young children. Thankfully, I didn’t pay extra for access to the Wahana Aquarium, as it would likely have been just as depressing as the zoo itself. Along the pathways, food kiosks offered ice cream and snacks, and there was also an eatery. The eatery was quite packed since it was around lunchtime.
By the time I left the zoo, I felt a mix of emotions—or perhaps a deep sense of pity for the animals. I wasn’t excited; in fact, the experience was worse than any other zoo I had visited so far. As we exited, the path led us through an underground passageway, all the way to Terminal Joyoboyo. Along the way, digital projections of the jungle and various wildlife created an attempt at an immersive experience. However, we had no intention of going to Terminal Joyoboyo, but there was no other way out.
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