KUALA LUMPUR: Hit by financial losses and the death of a prized Malayan tiger cub, Zoo Negara is ready to leave 2020 behind.
But the year has also offered a sliver of good news to the national zoo.
The absence of visitors for large parts of the year due to the enforcement of the Movement Control Order has apparently led to more mating among the animals, which has resulted in 55 new babies.
Malaysian Zoological Society deputy president Rosly@Rahmat Ahmat Lana acknowledged that 2020 has been a "roller-coaster year".
"The Covid-19 pandemic has caused major economic uncertainties, tougher than ever.
"This was made all the more apparent when Malaysians were required to stay home for months to avoid worsening the virus transmission.
"However, there has been some light relief in the form of the births of 55 baby animals in Zoo Negara."
He said the birth of so many animals was a blessing for Zoo Negara as well as Malaysians, and the births have been deemed a "record" of sorts.
The births include wallabies, nyala antelope, banteng (wild cattle of Borneo), Malayan porcupine, brush tailed porcupine, greater mousedeer, pademelon, Indian gaur, capybara and red lechwe antelope.
The zoo has also been blessed with hatchlings from the milky stork and Malay buffy fish owl.
"We have been truly lucky this year with the successful natural breeding of various species, including copperhead racers, mangrove snakes, granite pythons, albino pythons and Wagler's pit vipers.
"With no visitors around and nothing else to do, our animals apparently decided to give mating a go, hence why we have new additions to our big family.
"They are all in perfect health.
"Zoo Negara is committed to taking good care of them and attending to their needs, from their food, supplements and vitamins up to medical care, as well as enrichment."
Rosly said the zoo's staff had carried out all necessary work to give Zoo Negara a facelift.
He said some structures were painted, trees were trimmed and repairs were done, adding that most preventive maintenance works had been put on hold.
He said Zoo Negara would regularly post pictures of the new babies on its official Instagram and Facebook pages.
The public would be able to subscribe to the zoo's YouTube channel next year so that the zoo could connect with potential visitors from all corners of Malaysia, he said.
Zoo Negara's Zoology, Veterinary and Giant Panda Conservation Centre director Dr Mat Naim Ramli said he hoped the large number of births could raise awareness of conservation efforts among the public.
"With more animals to care for, Zoo Negara needs more funding to aid in our commitment (to care for the animals).
"Therefore, we are reviving our Adopt an Animal initiative so that people can adopt our animals, which helps support the zoo.
"For more information, visit Zoo Negara's website or any of our social media platforms.
"Our 'cute-lings' shall welcome you with warmth and joy, and they are looking forward to seeing you for the first time."