For those who like to visit the zoo, they do not need to go to Gianyar. Now, various animals can also be witnessed in Tabanan District. They can be visited at the Tabanan Zoo or Tasta Wildlife Park located at Banjar Tegeh, Angseri, Baruriti subdistrict. As a tourism and education center, the zoo had been inaugurated (soft opening) by the Regent of Tabanan, Dr. I Komang Gede Sanjaya, accompanied by Deputy Regent I Made Edi Wirawan coincided with the Pancasila Sanctity Day falling on Tuesday (Jun 1). The inauguration ceremony took place with the implementation of the health protocols.

The zoo applies a creative concept, not only as a wildlife park but also as an educational center for the community, especially in terms of nature conservation. “I am very proud of the opening of the zoo in Tabanan. Moreover, while the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing, this is a very bold step,” he said.

“Hopefully, animal conservation tourism in the future will become a new alternative in Bali tourism and have a positive impact on the younger generation, especially in the preservation of flora and fauna in Tabanan District and even Indonesia. At the same time, it can be a promotional event at the international level,” added Regent Sanjaya.

It is located on a cool highland with a total area of ​​20 hectares. Tasta has a diverse collection of preserved animals and plants. For bird collection, it is almost complete because of having 20 species of birds, 4 elephants, 2 bears, 3 orang utans, 8 silvery gibbons, 4 gibbons, 2 binturongs, 7 hedgehogs, 1 komodo and 4 crocodiles. “Tasta Wildlife Park also has an adrenaline park of 300 meters long and 15 meters above wild animals. So, it is enough to fight your nerves,” said the owner, Nyoman Adi Wiryatama, who is also Chairman of the Bali House of Representatives.

The Tabanan Zoo has the back-to-nature concept. It does not only highlight tourist attractions through the collection of animals but also offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping rides and animal show attractions that can be enjoyed and become a must-visit destination with the family. “For now, Tasta has been opened to visitors, but the Grand Opening will be held when the firefly park is completed. As scheduled, it will be inaugurated by the fifth President of Indonesia, Mrs. Megawati Soekarno Putri,” he explained. With the opening of this zoo, the cooperation of all relevant parties in the tourism sector is expected to be continuously improved, so that the existence of the tourism sector can provide benefits for the community in the context of increasing development in Tabanan District in a broader sense towards a New Era of Tabanan which is Safe, Superior and Civil. (BTN/015)