Si Bani Mini Zoo Lets Visitors Get Up Close To More Than 70 Animals

GUA MUSANG, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- From a simple setup of a rented tent and a few rabbits, a young animal enthusiast has turned a small idea into Si Bani Mini Zoo, a mobile petting zoo that travels to communities across the peninsula.

Muhammad Bani Hashim Masli, 23, said his passion for animals has seen him build a collection of more than 70 exotic creatures, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds from within the country and abroad, at a cost of up to RM40,000.

He said visitors can get up close to many of the animals, with about 30 species, including bullfrogs, tarantulas, lizards, raccoons and snakes that are tame enough to be petted.

“My passion for animals started when I worked as an animal keeper at a zoo in Selangor when I was 18. After learning how to take care of the animals, I bought my first bearded dragon lizard and slowly started adding other exotic animals from countries like China, the United States, Africa, Australia and Indonesia.

“I go for animals that are easy to care for and don’t need a licence to keep or display to the public. I usually buy them in pairs. The most expensive so far has been a raccoon at about RM5,000 each, while the cheapest ones cost around RM250 to RM300,” he told reporters when met in Bandar Baru recently.

Muhammad Bani Hashim said one of the biggest challenges of running the zoo was taking care of the animals, which sometimes caused his monthly spending to increase.

“On top of the monthly food costs of about RM600 for fruits, pellets and small insects, I also take care of the animals’ health by providing vitamins, medicines and treatment when they fall ill.

“Taking care of the animals is really important because even a small mistake can lead to big losses. If an animal dies, it’s a real headache since some of them are expensive,” he said.

Admitting that the road hasn’t always been smooth, the friendly young man, fondly known as Bani, said his mini zoo was hit hard during the Movement Control Order (MCO), which forced him to halt operations and lose his source of income.

“I had to sell all the animals because I couldn’t afford their monthly expenses. I worked as an air conditioning installer for a while before getting back on my feet, restarting the business and buying all the animals back.

“This mini zoo is my source of income again, and I travel to three to four states on the peninsula every month to hold animal exhibitions. Tickets are RM6 per person, and kids under two can watch for free with no time limit,” said Bani, who is assisted by two helpers.

Asked for his advice to young people, he encouraged them to keep pursuing their interests and dreams, even if they seem impossible at first.

--BERNAMA