Peran Kebun Binatang Gembira Loka Yogyakarta dalam Aspek Konservasi Satwa dan Pendidikan

Abstract

Konservasi bertujuan untuk melindungi sumber daya alam secara bijaksana, salah satunya melalui konservasi ex situ seperti kebun binatang. Kebun Binatang Gembira Loka (GL Zoo) Yogyakarta berperan dalam pendidikan dan pelestarian satwa. Penelitian ini bertujuan menilai efektivitas lingkungan Kebun Binatang Gembira Loka dalam mendukung konservasi, menganalisis peran dalam pengenalan satwa melalui keeper talk dan Presentasi Edukasi Satwa (PES), serta mengevaluasi manfaat program Pembelajaran Luar Sekolah (PLS) dan Satwa Masuk Sekolah (SMS). Metode yang digunakan meliputi wawancara, studi literatur, serta pre-test dan post-test. Gembira Loka Zoo memiliki 53 spesies endemik Indonesia, termasuk 10 spesies CR (kritis), 22 EN (terancam), dan 30 VU (kepunahan jangka menengah) menurut IUCN. Program Satwa Masuk Sekolah (SMS) terbukti meningkatkan pemahaman siswa tingkat kanak-kanak dan sekolah dasar, dibuktikan dengan hasil post-test > pre-test. Interaksi langsung dalam kegiatan keeper talk turut membantu pengunjung memahami satwa dengan lebih mudah.

Conservation aims to wisely protect natural resources, one approach being ex situ conservation through institutions such as zoos. Gembira Loka Zoo (GL Zoo) in Yogyakarta plays an important role in both education and wildlife preservation. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Gembira Loka Zoo environment in supporting conservation efforts, analyze its role in animal awareness through keeper talks and Animal Education Presentations (PES), and evaluate the benefits of the Outdoor Learning Program (PLS) and Animals Go to School (SMS) initiative. The methods used include interviews, literature review, and pre-test and post-test assessments. Gembira Loka Zoo houses 53 endemic Indonesian species, including 10 classified as Critically Endangered (CR), 22 as Endangered (EN), and 30 as Vulnerable (VU) according to the IUCN. The SMS program has been proven to enhance understanding among kindergarten and elementary school students, as shown by post-test scores being higher than pre-test scores. Direct interaction through keeper talk activities also helps visitors better understand the animals.