West Papua has its own charms. It is incomparable to other areas of Indonesia. Its natural beauty is distinctive from what other area in Indonesia has to offer. It also has several endemic species which can only be found on this island.
Located in the eastern part of West Papua is Merauke. And in this city, you can find Yamai Atip Wildlife Park. This park is a small heaven for the endangered endemic animals of Papua. You can safely see wallabies, crocodiles, deer, cassowaries, eagles, and many other birds.
Visiting Yamai Atib allows you to see the endemic animals in one place. You do not have to bother yourself to take a tour deep in the jungle or the swamp to get a glimpse of the animals. Besides, Yamai Atib also has the perfect location in Merauke.
A Glimpse into Yamai Atib History
This wildlife sanctuary is not too far from the center of Merauke, near the Merauke Hospital, only in the Maro area of Merauke. It was built in 2017 by former District Head Frederikus Gebze. Yamai Atib means “the gathering place of animals” in the Marind language. This is one of the five tribes in Merauke. It makes the perfect fit for this sanctuary.
Frederikus Gebze wants to create a wildlife park that can serve as a place for education, tourism, and cultural preservation. Other than his main mission to protect Papuan endangered animals. After all, Yamai Atib Merauke is full of endemic animals from Papua.
The problem of animal hunting has caused the rapid decline of these endemic animals in their natural habitat. Some species seem to have a higher risk of illegal hunting in the wilderness. Through this sanctuary, visitors can learn more about animal conservation. It also provides information about animal welfare and well-being in the wildlife park.
The best part of this wildlife park is the entrance fee. Frederikus Gebze, the owner and main operator of the wildlife park, does not charge an entrance fee. In fact, you can enter Yamai Atib at any fee that you find appropriate.
Habitants of Yamai Atib Wildlife Park
This sanctuary becomes home to numerous animals. It is no wonder that some people consider it a zoo. However, it gives a different experience with the endemic animals and the stories behind each animal.
If you visit this park, the first thing that will capture your eyes is the colorful gate. Once you step inside, you will find a seating area full of gazebos on the left side. Meanwhile, the animals are already waiting on the right side.
These are a few unique animals you can find at Yamai Atib:
1. Papuan Deer
The first animal that appears in Yamai Atib is a group of Papuan deer. People may call it Papuan deer. These animals are not endemic in Papua. In fact, it was brought to the island by the Dutch colonials back in the 1920s. Being kept inside the Dutch’s park and garden, these deers were released to free into the jungle.
2. Wallabies
The other unique story is about the wallabies. It looks similar to kangaroos but smaller. Wallabies are endemic to Papua. So, you might not find it in other places. Unfortunately, it attracts hunters, which causes a rapid decrease in its number in the wild.
3. Endemic Birds
Next are different kinds of endemic birds; cassowaries, eagles, cockatoos, parrots, crocodiles, and many more. Visitors can feed these animals with fruits and vegetables prepared by the worker. There is an extra charge for the animal feed.
All in all, Yamai Atib Wildlife Park gives a glimpse of Merauke wildlife. Besides taking pictures of the animals, you also gain more knowledge and awareness of animal welfare and well-being.
