Kebun Binatang Surabaya is home to one of the most diverse animal collections in Southeast Asia — over 2,800 individual animals representing 351 species, with a particular focus on Indonesian endemic wildlife. This complete directory covers every notable animal you can see, organised by category with conservation status, population numbers at the zoo, and tips on where to find each species inside the park.
Mammals at Surabaya Zoo
The mammal collection is the main draw for most visitors. Highlights include Indonesia's four endemic big cats, several Great Ape species, and the largest Asian elephant group in East Java. Most mammal enclosures are concentrated in the central and eastern sections of the park.
Sumatran Tiger
Panthera tigris sumatraeThe smallest of all living tiger subspecies and the only one still found in Indonesia. Surabaya Zoo participates in the Indonesian Tiger Conservation Programme and holds 4 individuals — one of the breeding pairs produced cubs in 2023. Housed in the main cat enclosure near the central lawn.
White Tiger
Panthera tigris (leucistic)A rare colour variant produced by a recessive gene. The zoo has 2 white tigers, both housed next to the Sumatran tiger enclosure. They are a crowd favourite but conservation groups note that white tigers are a captive-bred novelty, not a wild subspecies.
Bornean Orangutan
Pongo pygmaeusOne of the zoo's flagship conservation species. 8 individuals live in the Great Ape enclosure, which includes an outdoor climbing structure. Surabaya Zoo has successfully rehabilitated and released rescued orangutans into protected forest reserves across Kalimantan.
Asian Elephant
Elephas maximusThe herd of 5 elephants (including one calf born 2022) is housed in the large elephant paddock near the main entrance. Daily feeding sessions at 10:00 and 15:00 allow visitors to hand-feed sugar cane and bananas for a small fee.
African Lion
Panthera leoA breeding pair with their 2 subadult cubs occupy the lion enclosure next to the entrance plaza. Feeding time at 14:00 draws large crowds — the lions become notably active about 30 minutes before.
Leopard
Panthera pardusThe zoo keeps 3 leopards including one Javan subspecies (Panthera pardus melas), one of the rarest leopards on earth with fewer than 250 believed to remain in the wild. Housed in a tall, forested enclosure.
Siamang Gibbon
Symphalangus syndactylusThe largest of all gibbon species, with a distinctive black coat and inflatable throat sac that produces a booming call heard across the whole zoo in the mornings. 4 individuals in two family groups.
Agile Gibbon
Hylobates agilisSmaller and faster than the siamang, with reddish-brown fur. Housed in the small primate section near the aviary — 3 individuals.
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalisThree giraffes occupy a large open paddock with an elevated feeding platform. The feeding experience (Rp 20,000) is one of the most popular paid activities at the zoo.
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius2 hippos share a large pool enclosure near the aquatic zone. Most active at feeding time (11:00) when they come onshore to feed on leafy greens and fruits.
Pygmy Hippo
Choeropsis liberiensisRare in Southeast Asian zoos. Surabaya has 1 individual in a smaller enclosure next to the common hippos. Native to West Africa and distinctly nocturnal.
Common Chimpanzee
Pan troglodytesA troop of 5 chimpanzees housed in a tall climbing enclosure next to the orangutans. Enrichment activities take place twice daily.
Lowland Anoa
Bubalus depressicornisA rare dwarf buffalo endemic to Sulawesi — one of the world's most threatened bovids. Surabaya Zoo is one of only a handful of institutions globally that breed them. 3 individuals.
Babirusa
Babyrousa babyrussaThe famous "deer-pig" of Sulawesi, named for its upward-curving tusks. 2 individuals in a quiet enclosure often missed by visitors — look for it near the anoa.
Malayan Sun Bear
Helarctos malayanusThe world's smallest bear species, with a distinctive golden chest patch. Surabaya has 2 individuals in a wooded enclosure with climbing platforms.
Bornean Sun Bear
Helarctos malayanus euryspilusA smaller subspecies with lighter fur. 1 individual, often confused with the Malayan sun bear.
Bawean Deer
Axis kuhliiOne of the world's rarest deer, endemic to the small island of Bawean north of Surabaya. Surabaya Zoo runs a key breeding programme — 7 individuals.
Spotted Deer (Chital)
Axis axisLarge herd of around 30 deer in the open petting zone. Visitors can purchase feed (Rp 5,000) to hand-feed them — a hit with children.
Common Zebra
Equus quaggaA pair of zebras shares a large African savanna-themed paddock with the giraffes.
Dromedary Camel
Camelus dromedariusTwo camels in the arid-zone enclosure. Camel rides for children are offered on weekends.
Patas Monkey
Erythrocebus patasThe world's fastest primate (up to 55 km/h). Small troop housed in the Africa section.
Long-Tailed Macaque
Macaca fascicularisNative Indonesian primate housed in the small primate zone. The zoo keeps 12 individuals across two troops.
Reptiles & Amphibians
The reptile house sits in the western section of the zoo, with the Komodo dragon enclosure as its centrepiece. Several species are endemic to Indonesia and nearly impossible to see in other collections globally.
Komodo Dragon
Varanus komodoensisThe world's largest living lizard, endemic to a handful of islands in East Nusa Tenggara. Surabaya Zoo holds 6 Komodo dragons in a large outdoor enclosure with heated basking rocks. Feeding sessions take place on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00.
Saltwater Crocodile
Crocodylus porosusThe largest living reptile — the biggest male at Surabaya exceeds 4.5 metres. 3 individuals share a pool enclosure with a glass viewing wall.
Freshwater Crocodile
Crocodylus johnstoniA smaller Australian species, 2 individuals.
Gharial
Gavialis gangeticusA long-snouted fish-eating crocodilian native to the Indian subcontinent. Surabaya is one of the few zoos in Southeast Asia with this species — 2 individuals.
Burmese Python
Python bivittatusHoused in the reptile house. The largest specimen exceeds 5 metres.
Reticulated Python
Malayopython reticulatusThe world's longest snake species. Native to Southeast Asia including Indonesia — 2 individuals in the reptile house, one over 6 metres long.
Green Tree Python
Morelia viridisSpectacular bright-green arboreal python native to New Guinea and northern Australia. Small display in the reptile house.
King Cobra
Ophiophagus hannahThe world's longest venomous snake. A single individual is housed in a secure display with warning signage.
Yellow-Headed Water Monitor
Varanus cumingiNative to the Philippines, part of the Southeast Asian monitor collection.
Asian Water Monitor
Varanus salvatorCommon Indonesian species — small group of free-roaming individuals in the ponds throughout the zoo.
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Aldabrachelys giganteaTwo individuals in a large grassy pen. The oldest is estimated at over 80 years old.
Pig-Nosed Turtle
Carettochelys insculptaUnique freshwater turtle native to Papua. Several individuals in the turtle pond.
Chinese Alligator
Alligator sinensisOne of the rarest crocodilians on earth — fewer than 150 believed to remain in the wild. Surabaya holds 1 individual.
Flying Fox (Fruit Bat)
Pteropus vampyrusLarge colony in a walk-through aviary adjacent to the reptile house. Most active at dusk.
🔎 How to See All the Rare Species
- Arrive at opening (08:00) — nocturnal and crepuscular species (sun bears, flying foxes) are most active in the first 90 minutes.
- Follow a counter-clockwise route — this hits mammals first (most active in cooler morning hours), then reptiles mid-day, then birds and aquatic in the afternoon shade.
- Check feeding time boards near the entrance — big cats (lions, tigers) are often sleeping unless you time it right.
- Don't miss the small enclosures — the babirusa, anoa, and Bawean deer are among the rarest animals in the collection but easy to walk past.
- Allow 4–5 hours minimum — the zoo covers 15 hectares; trying to see everything in two hours means missing the quieter displays.
Birds & Aviary
Surabaya Zoo has one of Indonesia's most important bird collections, with a strong emphasis on native Indonesian species — several on the brink of extinction in the wild. The main aviary is a tall walk-through structure in the southern section.
Bali Starling
Leucopsar rothschildiIndonesia's national bird and one of the rarest birds in the world — only around 100 remain in the wild on Bali. Surabaya Zoo is part of the international breeding programme and has successfully bred and released individuals back to Bali. Around 20 individuals in a dedicated aviary.
Javan Hawk-Eagle
Nisaetus bartelsiIndonesia's national symbol, endemic to Java. Fewer than 500 remain in the wild. Surabaya participates in captive breeding — 3 individuals.
Lesser Bird-of-Paradise
Paradisaea minorSpectacular Papua New Guinea native with golden plumes. Housed in a tall display aviary — the males often perform display dances in the mornings.
Victoria Crowned Pigeon
Goura victoriaThe world's largest pigeon, with a striking blue crest. Native to New Guinea.
Rhinoceros Hornbill
Buceros rhinocerosDramatic Sumatran bird with a bright orange casque. 2 pairs in the hornbill section.
Wreathed Hornbill
Rhyticeros undulatusNative to Indonesia's forested areas. The zoo has successfully bred this species.
Palm Cockatoo
Probosciger aterrimusThe world's largest cockatoo, native to New Guinea and northern Australia. Known for using tools — one of the only non-primates to do so.
Yellow-Crested Cockatoo
Cacatua sulphureaIndonesian endemic devastated by the pet trade. Surabaya Zoo is a key breeding institution — 8 individuals.
Blue-and-Yellow Macaw
Ara araraunaLarge pair in the parrot zone. Popular for photos.
Scarlet Macaw
Ara macaoVivid red Central American parrot.
Australian Pelican
Pelecanus conspicillatusSmall flock on the main lake. One of the largest flying bird species in the world.
Marabou Stork
Leptoptilos crumeniferStriking African scavenger, 3-metre wingspan.
Milky Stork
Mycteria cinereaSoutheast Asian wetland species. Surabaya breeds this species as part of the regional conservation programme.
Flamingo (Greater)
Phoenicopterus roseusSmall flock in a dedicated pink pond — a photo-op favourite.
Peafowl
Pavo cristatus / P. muticusBoth Indian blue peafowl and the endangered Green Peafowl (endemic to Southeast Asia including Java) are kept here.
Ostrich
Struthio camelusTwo pairs in the open paddock near the giraffes.
Emu
Dromaius novaehollandiaeAustralian flightless bird. Shares the open African paddock.
Southern Cassowary
Casuarius casuariusNative to Papua. Famously one of the most dangerous birds in the world. Housed behind double fencing in the Oceania zone.
Aquatic Animals & Aquarium
The on-site aquarium (separate ticket of Rp 30,000) features both freshwater and marine displays. Highlights include native Indonesian freshwater species and rescued sea turtles. The outdoor aquatic enclosures focus on crocodilians and water birds.
Green Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydasThree rescued juveniles in a large tropical tank. The zoo participates in sea turtle rehabilitation along Java's north coast.
Hawksbill Turtle
Eretmochelys imbricataOne of the most threatened sea turtle species. 1 rescued individual.
Arapaima
Arapaima gigasOne of the world's largest freshwater fish, native to the Amazon. The main aquarium tank holds a 2.5-metre individual.
Asian Arowana
Scleropages formosusHighly prized Southeast Asian freshwater fish. Several colour morphs are on display.
Giant Mekong Catfish
Pangasianodon gigasOne of the world's largest freshwater fish species. 1 large individual in the freshwater tank.
Reef Sharks (various)
CarcharhinidaeBlacktip and whitetip reef sharks in the main saltwater display.
Clownfish & Anemone
Amphiprion ocellarisClassic coral reef display, popular with children.
Giant Pacific Octopus
Enteroctopus dofleiniWhen present (rotating display) — located in the cold-water section.
Giant Moray Eel
Gymnothorax javanicusLarge specimen in the reef tank.
Humphead Wrasse
Cheilinus undulatusIndonesian reef species threatened by the live reef food fish trade.
Freshwater Stingrays
Potamotrygon spp.Several species in the freshwater tank.
Conservation Highlights
Surabaya Zoo's conservation work focuses on Indonesian endemic species — several of which are nearly impossible to find in other collections globally. The institution participates in 12 formal breeding programmes:
- Sumatran Tiger Programme — part of the Indonesian national captive breeding effort
- Bornean Orangutan Rehabilitation — multiple successful releases to Kalimantan reserves
- Bali Starling Recovery — bred and released individuals to Bali Barat National Park
- Javan Hawk-Eagle Programme — one of only a handful of institutions worldwide
- Anoa & Babirusa Breeding — Sulawesi endemic species
- Bawean Deer Recovery — fewer than 300 remain in the wild globally
- Komodo Dragon Research — Collaborative research with Komodo National Park
- Sea Turtle Rehabilitation — rescued turtles treated and released
Frequently Asked Questions
Surabaya Zoo houses approximately 2,800 individual animals representing 351 species, making it one of the largest zoos in Southeast Asia by species count. The collection is particularly strong on Indonesian endemic species.
The most popular are the Sumatran tiger, Komodo dragon, Bornean orangutan, Asian elephant, white tiger, and the critically endangered Bali starling. The aquarium (separate ticket) and the walk-through bird aviary are also major draws.
Yes — Surabaya Zoo has 6 Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis), the world's largest living lizard species. They are housed in the reptile house with a large outdoor enclosure. Feeding sessions are typically held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00.
Yes — the zoo offers paid feeding experiences for deer, elephants, giraffes, and selected farm animals. Prices range from Rp 5,000 for deer feed to Rp 20,000 for giraffe feeding. Food is sold by the zoo; bringing outside food to feed animals is not allowed.
Surabaya Zoo participates in breeding programmes for several critically endangered species including the Sumatran tiger, Bornean orangutan, Bali starling, Javan hawk-eagle, Bawean deer, anoa and babirusa. Many are endemic to Indonesia and nearly impossible to see elsewhere.
Mammals are most active in the first 90 minutes after opening (08:00–09:30) and the last two hours before closing. During midday heat (11:00–14:00), many large mammals rest in shade. The reptiles, by contrast, are most active during the warm midday hours.